first aid lesson: Burns

Burns: First aid

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the degree and the extent of damage to body tissues. The three classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.

Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is termed a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

For minor burns, including second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:

• Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help.

Caution

• Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.
• Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.

Third-degree burn
The most serious burns are painless and involve all layers of the skin. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

For major burns, call for emergency medical assistance (112 for Romania). Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse severe large burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
4. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.

HOW TO TREAT A LEG FRACTURE

Most leg injuries are only sprains, but the treatment for both sprains and fractures is the same.


1) If skin is broken, do not touch or put anything on the wound.
You must avoid infection. If the wound is bleeding severely, try to stop the flow of blood by applying steady pressure to the affected area with sterile bandages or clean clothes.
2) Do not move the injured leg—you need to splint the wound to stabilize the injured area.
3) Find two stiff objects of the same length—wood, plastic, or folded cardboard—for the splints.
4) Put the splints above and below the injured area— under the leg (or on the side if moving the leg is too painful).
5) Tie the splints with string, rope, or belts—whatever is available. Alternatively, use clothing torn into strips. Make sure the splint extends beyond the injured area.
6) Do not tie the splints too tightly; this may cut off circulation.
You should be able to slip a finger under the rope or fabric. If the splinted area becomes pale or white, loosen the ties.
Have the injured person lie flat on their back.
This helps blood continue to circulate and may prevent shock.


WHAT TO AVOID

• Do not push at, probe, or attempt to clean an injury; this can cause infection.
• Do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Treat the fracture and then go get help.
• If the person must be moved, be sure the injury is completely immobilized first.
• Do not elevate a leg injury.
• Do not attempt to move or reset a broken bone; this will cause severe pain and may complicate
the injury.

first aid - survive poisonous attacks

HOW TO SURVIVE A POISONOUS SNAKE ATTACK


Because poisonous snakes can be difficult to identify— and because some nonpoisonous snakes have markings very similar to venomous ones—the best way to avoid getting bitten is to leave all snakes alone. Assume that a snake is venomous unless you know for certain that it is not.

How to TREAT A BITE

1) Wash the bite with soap and water as soon as you can.
2) Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. This will slow the flow of the venom.
3) Get medical help as soon as possible.
A doctor should treat all snakebites unless you are willing to bet your life that the offending snake is nonpoisonous. A bite from any type of poisonous snake should always be considered a medical emergency. Even bites from nonpoisonous snakes should be treated professionally,
as severe allergic reactions can occur.
4) Immediately wrap a bandage tightly two to four inches above the bite to help slow the venom if you are unable to reach medical care within thirty minutes.
The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. Make the bandage loose enough for a finger to slip underneath. If you have a first aid kit equipped with a suction device, follow the instructions for helping to draw venom out of the wound without making an incision. Generally, you will need to place the rubber suction cup over the wound and attempt to draw the venom out from the bite marks.

What NOT TO DO

• Do not place any ice or cooling element on the bite; this will make removing the venom with suction more difficult.
• Do not tie a bandage or a tourniquet too tightly. If used incorrectly, a tourniquet can cut blood flow completely and damage the limb.
• Do not make any incision on or around the wound in an attempt to remove the venom—there is danger of infection.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom. You do not want it in your mouth, where it might enter your bloodstream.