First Aid: Burns
Like cuts and scrapes, burns are extremely common. Usually caused by cooking or work-related mishaps, they can be quite painful and take time to heal. Thankfully, having knowledge of first aid will arm you with the skills needed to kick-start a timely healing process. Here’s the rundown on each type of burn and how to treat them.
First degree:
No burn is fun, but some are much worse than others. The mildest is a first-degree burn, which often takes the form of a sunburn. These burns damage only the upper layers of the skin but can still cause plenty of irritation. The visible damage is mostly limited to redness and mild swelling.
With any burn, the first thing to do is to get it away from the heat source and cool it down. This can be done by rinsing cool water over it or applying a damp washcloth. Keep the process going for approximately 3-5 minutes to dull the pain and clean the area.
You’ll want to keep the wound covered the same way you would a cut. If the pain persists, painkillers such as ibuprofen, Tylenol or OTC medications may be needed. Don’t forget to keep it clean by periodically washing the burn with mild soap and water and changing the bandages every couple of days. First-degree burns are usually mild and don’t result in further problems but learning to treat them will prepare you for more serious burns.
Alternatively, you can simply lather on the sunscreen and enjoy the beach without worry!
Second degree:
Second-degree burns damage the deeper layers of the skin and are much more painful. Symptoms include redness, swelling and large blisters. Because second-degree burns are much more serious, professional help may be called for. In the case of an unresponsive victim, don’t hesitate to check vital signs and call 911.
Like first-degree burns, start by immersing it in cool water. Be sure not to use ice or cold water as this can dangerously lower the victim’s body temperature. You may need to keep it submerged for quite a while to allow the wound to properly cool. After the pain subsides, rinse the wound, and gently dry it with a clean towel.
Second-degree burns also tend to swell much more than first-degree burns, so it’s important to remove any rings, bracelets, or necklaces along with excessively tight clothing. This will ensure they don’t get stuck or cause additional pain.
Blisters are another thing to consider. It can be super tempting to simply pop them, but this can be a grave mistake. When a blister forms, fluid builds up between the layers of the skin. This acts as a shield against whatever is causing damage, whether that be heat, friction, or harmful chemicals. Although it’s uncomfortable, having that shield is an important part of the healing process.
If popped, the upper layer of the skin breaks, and the blister becomes an open wound. This makes a bad situation worse by opening the floodgates for hordes of bacteria to infect the burn. Instead of worrying about blisters, focus on keeping the burn clean and covered. If you follow the steps above and watch out for infection, the healing process should go smoothly.
Third degree:
Treating minor burns is pretty simple, but third-degree burns are a brand-new ball game. The best way to help a third-degree burn victim is to call for first responders immediately. You can certainly help the victim, but third-degree burns require professional help and fast. The skin will have been completely burned through to the muscle or fat tissue and will look white and charred. The victim is likely in a life-threatening state and may die if action is not quickly taken.
Once first responders arrive, the victim will be rushed to a hospital, but until then you’re their only hope. Surprisingly, the victim may be in little to no pain. This is due to the nerves having been completely burned though, numbing the entire area. Do your best to keep them calm and keep a level head yourself.
While waiting, there are a few things you can do to truly help. Covering the wound and being prepared to perform rescue breaths will go a long way. Avoid removing any clothing from the victim, as it may be stuck to the wound and peel away skin or tissue when removed. Situations such as these are unpredictable and can strike at any moment but having knowledge of first aid can make a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to act when disaster strikes.
First aid is an important skill to have and applies to countless situations. You never know when the time will come to help someone in pain or even save a life. At Idaho Medical Academy, we take great pride in offering high-quality first aid and CPR courses for both healthcare providers and the general public. Give us a call today to chat about how we can help keep you and your loved ones safe!
