First Aid Topics and Knowledge

Burns And Scalds


Causes

Injuries caused to bodily tissues by heat is generally called burns or scalds.


Burns: Bodily injuries resulting from dry heat generated by flames, electric current, hot objects, radiation, over-exposure to sun rays and chemical corrosives, etc.

Scalds: Bodily injuries caused by hot liquids and steam etc.


Estimate the Burns & Scalds

The seriousness of a burn or scald on an adult can be estimated by calculating the area of the wound with the “Rule of Nine”. Divide the whole body into 9 parts, each with different percentage:


Head and neck 9%

Anterior trunk 18%

Posterior truck 18%

Each upper limb 9%

Each lower limb 18%

External genitalia 1%


Note: If the affected area covers only a small part of the above divisions, it should be assessed by palm measurement. Each palm, excluding fingers, covers 1% of the body.


Estimate the Depth of a Burn

First Degree Burn: Swell, The epidermis is burnt, causing redness, swelling and pain.

Second Degree Burn: The epidermis separates from the dermis, causing blisters, redness, swelling and pain.

Third Degree burn: The deeper layer of skin is damaged, whitened and charred. There is no sensation and pain.


Critical Burns / Scalds

The elderly and infants are more susceptible to burns / scalds than adults. If 5% of the body of an adult suffers a second degree burn, or 2%- 3% of the body of an infant suffers a second degree burn, or they suffer a third degree burn with the follower circumstances, seek medical assistance at once:


(1) There are injuries in the respirating tract.

(2) The burns are associated with a significant fracture or other major injuries.

(3) There are second or third degree burns involving the head, the hands, the feet or the external genital organs.

(4) There is a large area of burn.

(5) The injured has suffered electrical burns.


When a person is burnt or scalded, his body will suffer

(1) A loss of bodily fluid, leading to hypovolaemic shock.

(2) Failure in thermal regulation due to the damage of skin. An invasion of bacteria due to deficiency in defence against infection.


General Treatment

(1) Remove the injured from the heat source.

(2) Check the injured’s breathing and pulse.

(3) Check the extent and depth of his burns.

(4) Cool and treat the burned area- Flush the burned area with water to cool it down and alleviate the pain. Cover the wound with a sterilized dressing. For facial burns, use a sheet of cloth or a triangular bandage to cover the burnt area. Cut holes on the piece of cloth or the bandage according to the position of the eyes, the mouth and the nose.

(5) Treat the shock.

(6) Send the injured to hospital immediately.


Note

(1) Do not puncture the blisters.

(2) Do not apply lotion or ointment on the burnt area.

(3) Do not apply any cold pack on the burnt area.

(4) Do not remove clothing sticking to the skin.

(5) Do not cough or speak towards the burnt area.


Chemical Burns

When treating burns caused by chemicals, remove all the chemicals sticking to the injured’s body as soon as possible to avoid deterioration of the injury.


Treatment

(1) Put on protective clothing and gloves.

(2) Remove any solid chemicals first. Then rinse the injured with a large amount of water. The liquid chemicals can be rinsed by a large amount of water.

(3) Remove contaminated clothing & ornaments from the injured when rinsing.

(4) Dress the wound with bandage after rinsing.

(5) Send the injured to hospital.

(6) If chemical has splashed into the eyes of the injured, continue to flush his eyes on his way to hospital.


Electrical Burns

When a high current of electricity passes through the body, it may cause severe burns. Furthermore, if the cardiac muscle is damaged by the current, the heart beat may become abnormal or even cease.


Treatment

(1) Protect of electricity yourself first. Then break the current or remove the injured from the source.

(2) If the breathing and heartbeat of the injured have stopped, apply CPR immediately.

(3) If the injured is unconscious but breathes normally, place him in a recovery position.

(4) Treat the burns.

(5) Send the injured to hospital.