How To Administer First Aid for Burns

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Know how to administer first aid for burns

A fire in your commercial building in Salt Lake City, UT, not only has the potential to cause costly fire damage to the structure but also can put people in danger of burns as they try to escape. Knowing some basic first aid for burns is necessary for situations such as this.

First Aid For Burns

Severity Assessment

The first thing you must do before any burn first aid is applied is determine how severe the injury is. Look for symptoms associated with major burns:

• Deep wound
• Dry or leathery skin
• Charred area with black, brown or white patches
• Circumference larger than 3 inches

Minor Burn Care

If a small area of burned skin is merely red and hot or has a few blisters, similar to a bad sunburn, the person likely only has a minor burn. Once they are clear from the fire damage of the burning building, start by cooling the burn with running water or a cool compress. Once it has cooled completely, you can apply a soothing lotion such as aloe vera to provide comfort and keep the skin from drying out. Bandage the burn loosely with a clean, lint-free cloth or gauze. The patient can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Major Burn Care

First aid for major burns is a little different. The main goal of treating a major burn is to keep the person calm and safe until professional help can arrive. After you have called for emergency medical personnel, cover the burn with a loose cloth, but don't submerge it in water. Remove any jewelry and loosen tight clothing, as major burns can cause the area to swell. Keep an eye out for signs of shock such as fainting or shallow breathing, and keep the burn elevated above the heart if possible.

Fire restoration experts can take care of the fire damage to your building, but making sure injured people get the first aid they need depends on those around them. Knowing the correct action to take can save them a lot of pain in the long run.