BURNS AND SCALDS Many burns need medicinal attention because of the risk of infection and shock. A young child or a sick or old person should always be taken to a doctor. If the burn or scald is smaller than a 10p piece 1. If possible, remove rings, watch or constricting clothing before the area starts to swell. 2. If it is painful, the burn is probably superficial. Put it under slow-running cold water for 10 minutes or longer if pain continues. Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material. A sterile dressing is best. The inside of a folded handkerchief bound on with cloth, will also do. Is it peeling or charred? If the skin looks grey, and is peeling or charred and not very painful, the burn may be deep and serioius. Cover it and take the patient to the doctor or to the Emergency Department of a hospital. DO NOT USE PLASTERS. DO NOT APPLY FAT, OINTMENT OR LOTION DO NOT BREAK A BLISTER OR TOUCH THE BURN If the burn or scald is larger than a 10p piece 1. If possible, remove rings, watch or constricting clothing before the area starts to swell. 2 Cool the burn by running it under a cold tap for at least ten minutes, or longer if the pain continues. Cool a large area with a damp, clean cloth, but no dot waste time before getting medical help. 3. Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material. A sterile dressing is best, but the inside of a clean folded handkerchief, bound on with a scarf or other cloth, will do. 4. See your doctor or go to the Emergency Department of your local hospital. If the burn or scald covers a large area of the body Note: likely to suffer shock and needs urgent hospital treatment. 1. Lay the victim down, preferably on a rug or sheet to prevent the burnt area from touching the ground. 2. If possible, remove any rings, shoes or constrictive clothing before the area starts to swell. Remove clothing soaked in boiling liquid when it has begun to cool. DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING THAT IS STICKING TO THE BURN. 3. Call the emergency number and ask for an ambulance or arrange to take the victim to the Emergency Department of a local hospital 4. Cover the burn with clean non-fluffy material, such as a freshly washed pillowcase. Fix it in a place with a scarf or a piece of clean cloth.
For burns to the face Make a mask form a clean pillowcase by cutting holes for nose , mouth and eyes
5. If the victim is conscious, give frequent sips of cold water to replace lost fluid. 6. If a person with burns on the front becomes unconscious, put him in this recovery position. Turn the head to one side and tilt it back to open the airway. Raise the opposite side of the body by supporting it on a large cushion or rolled blanket. A person with burns on the side back should be placed in the normal recovery position. |
