First Aid For Burns

First Aid For Burns

The information contained within this poster will assist you in identifying the cause severity and percentage of a burn. Do not wait until a colleague sustains a burn to read it. If a burn is sustained within the work place it will have resulted from an accident or poor safety practice. Do not attempt to treat a burn until you are certain any potential hazards have been neutralised.

 

1) Classification For Burns

SUPERFICIAL

1. Reddening and discolourationof the skin.

2. Some swelling.

3. Pain.

PARTIAL THICKNESS

1. A combination of discolouration, swelling and blistering of the skin.

2. If any blisters have burst a clear watery fluid may leak from the site (Serum).

3. May involve one or more blisters being formed.

4. Pain.

FULL THICKNESS

1. Pitted/charred appearance.

2. Surrounding skin around burn site may appear wax-like and false.

3. Clear watery fluid may leak directly from the burn site.

4. Blisters may form around the site of the main charred area but not on it.

5. If the skin is badly charred, the casualty may not experience pain as the nerve endings may

be destroyed.

 

2) Treatment of Burns

1. Ensure that the cause of the burn does not endanger your life or that of the casualty.

2. Assess that the casualty is still conscious (if they are not, carry out the ABC of resuscitation).

3. Establish the cause of the burn - if a chemical is suspected go to section 4.

4. Immediately begin to cool the burn. Continue cooling under water for 10 minutes. NB – DO NOT over cool, you may lower the body temperature too much.

5. If the burn has affected a limb e.g. arm, remove any constrictive items such as watches, rings etc., in anticipation of any swelling.

NB - Do not remove if directly in contact with the burn.

6. Initially cool under running water for 10 minutes or until burning sensation has stopped and then apply a non adhesive sterile dressing.

DO NOT

·         Burst any blisters.

·         Apply adhesive dressings.

·         Remove damaged skin.

·         Apply ointments/creams.

·         Cover with ‘fluffy’ dressings.

·         Affix dressing too tightly.

·         Apply butter/fats/margarine.

·         Remove damaged clothing.

·         Apply ice.

 

3) Chemical Burns

1. If a chemical burn is suspected, the burn must be irrigated with copious amounts of water after the casualty’s Airway, Breathing and Circulation have been checked.

2. The contaminated skin must be washed under running water for at least 20 minutes.

3. Ensure that the chemical is washed off the skin and not on to unaffected areas.

4. Any contaminated clothing must be removed (assuming it is not adhered to the skin) to allow the water to irrigate the skin correctly.

5. Attempt to establish the cause of the burn. Use the C.O.S.H.H. Data Sheet

and information given on relevant containers to confirm the chemical involved.

6. As the majority of chemical burns occur some time after contact it is advisable to refer all casualties to Medical Aid.

Take care not to inhale any fumes. Always wear your Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)

 

4) Dressing a Burn

1. When a burn has been cooled sufficiently a sterile non-fluffy dressing should be applied.

2. Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes or smouldering clothes from the injured area before it begins to swell.

NB – If clothing is burnt onto the wound DO NOT pull off.

3. A water based gel soaked sterile dressing is ideal as it helps prevent burn-progression and infection.

4. If a suitable dressing is not available, you may improvise using a sterile triangular bandage or cling film.

DO NOT apply any dressings that may cause a tourniquet effect.

 

5) Clothing on Fire

If a casualty’s clothing is on fire the greatest danger will be to their airway. Due to a combination of panic and pain they may be on their feet and moving flames will naturally rise and endanger the airway of the casualty.

ACTION TO TAKE

1. Initiate the fire alarm.

2. Attempt to get the casualty flat on the floor - you may have to physically push them over using a broom or fire blanket etc. to ensure you do not get exposed to the flames.

3. Once the casualty is flat on the floor try to smother the flames. Ideally use a fire blanket or improvise with a woollen or cotton blanket.

4. Ensure the casualty’s Airway, Breathing and Circulation are present.

5. Cool the burn(s).

NB - DO NOT over cool, you may lower the body temperature too much. DO NOT roll the casualty. Extinguish from the head down.

 

6) Complicated Burns

AIRWAY

All burns involving the airway are potentially life threatening. Attempt to treat any external burns and dial 999/112 for help.

BURNS TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

As well as sustaining a damaged airway, the lungs and associated tissue may be damaged by hot fumes and smoke. This may cause blistering to the tissue and requires urgent medical attention.

CIRCULATION

Normally resulting from chemical contamination, a circle burn involves damage to the skin that

encircles any part of the body such as the arm. As it swells it constricts circulation of other body

systems. Treat as in section 3 and dial 999/112 for help.

 

7) Burn Severity

The severity of burns depends on the area of the body affected and the extent i.e. Partial thickness or Full thickness.

1% OF THE BODY’S SURFACE IS ROUGHLY EQUIVALENT TO THE PALM OF THE CASUALTY’S HAND. CASUALTIES SHOULD BE REFERRED TO HOSPITAL IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:

·         Any Superficial burn covering more than 5% of the body’s surface.

·         Any Partial thickness burn covering more than 1% of the body’s surface.

·         Any Full thickness burns. Any burns involving children.

·         All burns involving feet, hands, face or genital areas.

·         All burns that extend around a limb.

·         Any burns with a mixed pattern of depth.

·         If unsure of depth or severity of burn.

 

 

The information contained is for guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for recognised training.