Dos and don’ts of first aid for burns

Burns are a common injury that can range in severity from minor discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.

The extent to which a burn will heal often depends on the quality of first aid received immediately after the injury, according to Netcare 911.

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“Whether it’s a minor burn caused, for instance, by a steaming cup of coffee or a more serious burn, there is little doubt that correct first aid can improve the outcome,” says Gary Paul, clinical head of Netcare 911’s coastal operations.

The following Dos and Don’ts will help lay persons to provide the appropriate care when faced with a burn injury.

DO

• Remain calm
• Extinguish flames (if any)

If a person’s clothing has caught alight, they must STOP, DROP and ROLL to extinguish the flames.

• STOP because running will fan the flames
• DROP to lie flat on the ground, and cover your face with your hands for protection
• ROLL over and over to smother the fire until it is extinguished

Teach children about the stop, drop and roll technique from a young age and reinforce this message from time to time so that in an emergency they will remember what to do.

• Look after your own safety

If the patient has an electrical burn and is still in contact with the electrical source, switch off electricity before assisting them.

If you cannot switch off the electricity, use an object that does not conduct electricity, such as a wooden broom handle, to separate the person from the power source.

When extinguishing flames on a person, be careful that your own clothing does not catch fire.

In the case of a chemical burn, use protective eyewear and gloves to ensure that you do not get the chemical on yourself.

• Cool the burn area

Run cold water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes in the case of minor to moderate burns.

This may help to limit the damage to deeper skin tissues, and is also effective for chemical burns, as the water can help to dilute the harmful substance.

• Call for advice and assistance

Call an emergency medical service provider, such as Netcare 911 (082 911), as soon as it is practical to do so.

As each burn is different, give the call operator at the emergency operations centre as much information as possible.

This will help them to give you the most appropriate advice and assistance.

Wrap the victim in a clean sheet and take them to a medical facility or wait for an ambulance, whichever will be quicker and more appropriate in the circumstances.

• Smoke inhalation

One of the leading contributors to death and/or disability is smoke inhalation.

Fire victims may not present with physical burns however they can inhale poisonous gases released during a fire.

The combination of noxious gases as well as heat can lead to inhalation burns and respiratory injuries that may not be readily apparent.

All victims who have been present during a fire with smoke need to be evaluated as soon as possible to prevent secondary complications.

DON’T

• Don’t attempt to apply any substances to the burn

Do not put ice on the burn, as this can further damage the tissue. In the case of extensive burns, do not cool with water for too long because this could cause hypothermia.

Do not put oily substances, pastes, turmeric, egg white, toothpaste or topical ointments on the burn, or press cotton wool or fluffy material directly onto the burn as this could increase the chance of infection.

However, you can use a burn dressing or ointment recommended by a pharmacist, and this should be covered with a bandage or cling film to prevent infection.

• Never peel off or open blistered skin, as this could expose the burns victim to infection.

How severe is the burn? 

Don’t underestimate the severity of a burn. Rather, consult a medical professional.

• Superficial partial thickness (first degree burns): These burns are painful and red. Sometimes blisters may form. However, they usually heal with little or no scarring.
• Deep partial thickness (second degree burns): Severe pain, skin discolouration and blisters, often with scarring, are characteristics of these burns. Seek medical advice.
• Deep thickness (third degree burns): These burns cause deep damage to all three layers of the skin. They destroy hair follicles, blood vessels and nerve endings. The burns victim may also experience breathing difficulties and circulation problems. Seek immediate assistance from emergency medical services or a trauma facility equipped to deal with burn injuries.

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