First Aid Training Video Article
First Aid for Burns
Burns can occur on the body from various causes. These include contact with hot objects and burns from excessive sun exposure. First aid for burns can be used to help treat all types of burns.
First, lets look at first aid for first degree burns. This is a less serious burn, as it involves the outside layer of skin, or epidermis, being burned. This is where the skin appears red and has some minor pain. First aid for burns like these include using proper cooling pads and ointments to help treat the pain of the first degree burn.
Second degree burns are more serious and require different forms of first aid for burns. A second degree burn is where the dermis, or second layer of skin, is burned along with the first layer. Blisters can appear in the burn area, and the levels of pain will be greater.
First aid for burns like this will require cooling at the start. The burned area should be rinsed under cold water for five minutes or greater. Cold packs can also be used to help cool the burn. These methods of first aid for burns will help to keep the swelling of the burned area from continuing, as the heat will be reduced in the burned area. Of course, there are some exceptions. Ice should not be put on a second degree burn, as frostbite can be caused by ice.
A second degree burn should be covered with a gauze bandage. The bandage should be loosely wrapped so that there is less pressure on the burn area. Gauze can also keep dust from getting onto the burn area so that pain levels can be reduced. Cotton can irritate the burn, so that should not be used.
Third degree burns are the most severe burns, as all layers of the skin are affected by them. The skin will be charred and will develop leather spots known as eschars. There are different types of first aid for burns that will be needed for this kind of burn. First, immediate emergency medical attention will be needed. When waiting for help to arrive be sure to not remove any burned clothes that is attached to the skin. Also, cold water should not be used to treat the burn.
Other methods of first aid for burns as severe as this include checking to see if the person is affected in terms of breathing. If the victim is not breathing you will need to perform CPR. Also, a sterile, moist bandage will be needed for covering the burn. This is needed so that you can keep the third degree burn from getting worse before help arrives.
