Basic First Aid Tips for Burns
11/22/2021 (Permalink)
Basic First Aid Tips for Burns
A fire in your commercial building in La Marque, TX, can damage the structure and many of the items in it. If the incident occurs while the building is occupied, though, the fire damage to the property may not be your most immediate concern. If people suffer from burns while they are trying to escape, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of first aid to help them until medical professionals can arrive.
Burn Severity
The first thing you need to do is decide if the injury is a major or minor burn. If it's just a few small blisters or the skin is red, the burn is probably minor. A major burn, however, shows other warning signs:
- Has charred appearance with white or black patches
- Covers a large area or involves a deep wound
- Makes skin look leathery or excessively dry
The severity of the burn will dictate the appropriate burn first aid.
Minor Burn Aid
Minor burns may not require medical attention. Your fire damage emergency kit likely contains all the supplies you need to treat it. Cool the burned area, apply a lotion specially formulated for soothing burns and cover it with a clean bandage. An over-the-counter medication may be used to ease the pain.
Major Burn Aid
When people have major burns, they will likely need the help of a medical professional. To keep them as comfortable and safe as possible before emergency services arrive, though, you can apply some basic first aid. Do not attempt to flush the burn with water. Keep an eye on their vital signs, such as breathing and heart rate, and administer CPR as necessary. Make sure that all restrictive items, such as jewelry or accessories near the burn, are removed. Cover the burn with a clean bandage or cloth to guard against infection while you wait.
Certified restoration experts can mitigate the fire damage to your building, but if people are injured, they may need medical assistance. Knowing basic first aid can be useful until help arrives.