What is the step in treating a burn?

Answer 1

Burn First Aid proceeds as follows: * Assess the type of burn: Electrical, chemical, thermal, etc. * ** If chemical, decontaminate and protect rescuers. Water flush usually -- see 3rd degree for contraindications. ** Note that electrical burns may not appear on the surface. Also make certain source of electricity is no longer active. * Assess type of burns --- 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree. * Assess burn coverage -- Rule of 9's. * For 1st degree burns: * ** Make sure the skin is no longer at high temp. Immerse with cool water. ** Cover the burn with dry sterile dressings. ** OTC analgesics. ** Don't use oil based ointments. ** If there's no need for secondary aid, topical painkillers can help. ** Maintain patient's body temp. * For 2nd degree burns * ** Cool the burn with cool water -- not ice. ** Don't pop the blisters. ** Cover losely with sterile gauze. ** If the burn is a friction burn (heel blisters are typical) and the subject msut walk to evacuate, consider Mole Skin. * For 3rd degree burns * ** Don't remove clothing at the scene. ** Make sure clothing is not still burning. Water ONLY to put out fire. * ** DON'T chill the burn -- you risk shock. ** Monitor for CPR (ABC). ** Elevate burned body parts above level of heart if safe and practical. ** Cover the area of the burn with cool moist sterile bandages. ** Consider dehydration as a problem if immedaite evac isn't possible. ** Observe for airway burns and be prepared to counter swelling. ** Try to keep sterile as much as possible -- burns infect easily.