First Aid for Burns
Posted on October 27, 2009
Filed Under First Aid | Leave a Comment
The severity of the burns and the amount of tissue involved dictate the classification of burns. There are first, second and third degree burns. Treatment of burns varies as first aid is applied depending on the severity. In fact a second degree burn can be as bad as a third degree burn depending on how large of an area the body was burned, especially if tender parts of the body are affected.
Giving first aid to first degree burns
The epidermis or the outermost layer of your skin is what is affected in a first degree burn. In the first degree burn the epidermis sometimes called the body’s raincoat since it protects you from external elements and bacteria is not burned too badly. Unless sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin and buttock are affected, it is considered a minor burn. The first thing to do is to get away from the heat. Apply cool water in order to cool the burn. This will help ease the swelling and diminish the pain. A cool compress should be applied if available.
Giving first aid to second degree burns
The dermis which is the second layer of skin is affected in the second degree burn. Fluid between the dermis and the epidermis will cause blistering. This swelling effect is the cause of severe pain. First aid of first and second degree burns are the same. First remove the injury from the source of heat, and then run water over the burn to cool it down and reduce the swelling thus relieving some pain. Place a wet cloth over the burn to assist the cooling down. If the burn is over the face, hands feet, buttock or any other very sensitive area, consider it a serious injury and seek medical help immediately.
First aid and third degree burns
Incredibly third degree burns can be quite painless, that’s because the nerve ending have been burned away. Third degree burns can be quite severe. Perhaps the burn got through the fatty layers of the body or maybe even deeper into the muscle or down to the bone. Some Doctors call a burn that has gotten to the bone as a fourth degree burn.
Taking care of a third degree burn should be done by a professional. But if no one is available at the time call for help and be sure to remove the person from the source of heat. The injured person should be lying down with his feet above his heart to assist in preventing him from going into shock. Place a cool wet towel on the injury. Do not put too much water on the burn as this could cause the victim to go into shock. Never remove clothing in the burned areas as this could make it worse. Let the paramedics take over when they arrive.
Learn more about First Aid. Stop by Roger Henry’s site where you can find free tips on first aid and all about our First Aid Guide and what it can do for you and your family.
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