Treatment of Burns

Treatment of Burns

1. Extensive Burns
If over 15% of body is burned, WASTE NO TIME.
Give appropriate first aid and get patient to the hospital IMMEDIATELY!

2. 1st-Degree Burns
A burn injuring only the outside layer of skin
TREATMENT
Apply cold water applications to the affected area or submerge the burn area in cold water. (A dry dressing may be applied.)
Do not apply ointments, sprays, antiseptics or home remedies.

3. 2nd-Degree Burns
A burn that injures the layer of skin beneath the surface. Blisters usually form.
TREATMENT
1. Maintain an open airway. Restore breathing and circulation if necessary.
2. Immerse burned area in cold water bat or under cold running water or apply ice water soaked clean cloths until pain subsides.
3. Blot dry and apply clean, dry cloth or dressing and send to physician.
Do not apply ointments, sprays, antiseptics or home remedies.

4. 3rd-Degree Burns
A burn that destroys all layers of skin
TREATMENT
1. Maintain an open airway. Restore breathing and circulation if necessary.
2. Protect burned area by covering with clean dry cloth.
3. Treat for shock.
4. Get patient to hospital or physician IMMEDIATELY!
Do not apply ointments, sprays, antiseptics or home remedies.
Do not put ice or ice water on burn. This can intensify shock reaction.
Do not remove clothes that are stuck to the burn.

5. Burns Involving Eyes
Needs IMMEDIATE First Aid attention and medical service.
Do not allow victim to rub the eyes
1. Place sterile dressing over eyes to immobilize the lids.
2. Take patient to physician or hospital.
TREATMENT
If splashed by chemical or other substance
1. Immediately flush eye with larger quantities of cool running water for about 10 minutes.
2. Contact physician or emergency department
If burned by flame or explosion
1. Apply cool, wet towel or other cold pack (not ice).
2. Contact physician or emergency department.

6. Chemical Burns
TREATMENT
1. Immediately wash away chemical with large quantities of running water for at least five minutes.
2. Continue to flush with water while removing clothing from burned area.
3. Cover burn with bandage.
4. Seek medical attention.
Do not apply ointments, sprays, antiseptics or home remedies.

Shock
SHOCK WILL BE PRESENT IN MANY BURN CASES.
A person in shock will be cold, pale, perspiring and may pass out.
TREATMENT
1. Maintain an open airway. Restore breathing and circulation if necessary.
2. Telephone for emergency ambulance or physician.
3. Treat for shock by:

Place patient in prone position with feet elevated unless otherwise indicated.
Cover only enough to prevent loss of body heat.
Do not give any fluid.
Do not administer any drugs