| A burn is defined as any injury caused by heat to the | | | | ironically, can frostbite, which can further damage the |
| skin or other body parts involving fire, chemicals, | | | | tissue. Do not use oily ointments or salves because it |
| electricity or radiation. Burns can affect the skin in | | | | may infect the burn and become an obstacle to |
| minor to major ways depending on the severity of | | | | healing. After you have cooled the burn with cold |
| the burn, which can be classified into three main | | | | water and in a sterile environment, you can continue |
| categories: 1) First degree, 2) Second degree or 3) | | | | to dress it with gauze, this secures the burn from |
| Third degree. When making your evaluation as to the | | | | abrasion and any forced weight. |
| severity of the condition, you will need to look at the | | | | Second degree burns require the same techniques as |
| most burned area of the skin to affirm the degree | | | | the first degree type, but involve greater monitoring |
| status. | | | | of the victim to ensure that they have not gone into |
| Here are some basic guidelines to help with the | | | | a state of shock. These signs are evident with |
| diagnosis: | | | | obvious weakness, pale look, clammy skin or |
| First degree burns - Are burns that effect the very | | | | vomiting. In this case they need medical attention |
| most outer layer of the skins surface. They tend to | | | | immediately. Assume the prescribed first aid for |
| heal the fastest with the least amount of damage | | | | treating people in shock by laying them on their back |
| and potential scaring. They have some initial mild | | | | with feet elevated, covered with a blanket. |
| redness and pain, with the most common cause | | | | Third degree burns need immediate assistance for |
| being a sunburn or cooking burn of some kind. | | | | continued treatment. In the meantime, there are |
| Second degree burns - Involve more serious damage | | | | some important rules when beginning treatment if |
| that includes blistering, redness, swelling and | | | | medical attention is not present. Do NOT apply cold |
| wet-looking skin. These type of burns go through a | | | | water as in the above first and second degree |
| deeper layer of the skin's surface. They are quite a | | | | situations. This is too shocking for such a condition |
| bit more painful than first degree burns and are | | | | and could send them into actual shock. Do NOT |
| usually caused by longer periods of heat exposure. | | | | remove any clothing that is stuck on the skin, leave it |
| Third degree burns - These type of burns are by far | | | | where it is. Place the persons burned hands above |
| the most severe. They entail actual tissue loss that | | | | the level of the heart and elevate burned legs. If |
| destroys the skin, showing a charred or white look. | | | | head is burned, sitting upright can aid breathing. While |
| These involve sustained contact with heat, but are | | | | waiting for emergency medical care, cover the burns |
| less painful because the nerve endings have been | | | | with a dry, extremely sterile dressing that does not |
| destroyed, creating less sensitivity in the damaged | | | | involve ointments of any kind. |
| area. | | | | These first aid measures and procedures should be |
| The seriousness of the burn determines whether | | | | well rehearsed by taking a first aid class. In |
| hospitalization is required. In most cases of second or | | | | emergency situations, or even minor ones, |
| third degree burns medical attention is advised. There | | | | knowledge of these basic techniques can be |
| are some first aid procedures to take note of, | | | | significant in reducing the amount of damage, pain |
| however, when in a situation of offering assistance | | | | and scarring that might result. We all risk exposure to |
| before medical help is available. | | | | burns every day, cooking our food, it is good to |
| First Aid Treatment For Burns | | | | know the basics so that you are well prepared with |
| First degree burns should be immersed in cold water | | | | tools and supplies for yourself, a neighbor, or your |
| for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice water on | | | | family. |
| burns or apply it directly to the skin. This can, | | | | |