Burns
A burn is damage that occurs becase of contact with fire, chemicals or electricity. There are 2 main types of burns, major and minor.
Features of a minor burn:
- Redness of skin (similar to a sunburn)
- Pain
- Blisters
- A maximum of 8 centimeters width of damaged skin
If the symptoms are any worse than those above, it is called a major burn.
Treatment
Major burns
Major burns need emergency treatment.
- Protect the burned person from further damage! Remove them from the dangerous area if needed, but make sure you stay safe !
- Make sure the hurt person is breathing.
- Remove any clothing items around the burned area.
- Cover the burn area with a cool, damp bandage or a cloth.
- Raise the burned area above the heart level, if possible.
- Call 000.
Minor burns
A minor burn doesn't usually need emergency care.
- Placing a damp, cool towel over the area can help soothe the skin, if needed. Otherwise, run some cool (not ice!) water over the hurt area.
- Remove clothing from the burned area.
- Be careful not to pop any blisters.
- Apply lotion if the area is dry and cooled down. Aloe vera is great for burns!
- Cover the burn with a bandage to protect the wound.