Must Know First Aid for Burns to Save Lives

Injury due to burns can occur anywhere, including at home. If you don't experience it, you could be the closest person to help the victim. Therefore, it is important to know how to give first aid to burns. In order to provide first aid to burns, it is important to recognize the types of burns. In addition, the treatment of burns needs to be adjusted to the level of the wound as well.

Recognizing Types of Burns

There are several factors that can cause burns, such as excessive sun exposure, electric shock, fire or fire, and burns due to exposure to chemicals. Judging from its level, a person's burns can be categorized as follows:

• Minor burns

Minor burns can be called a first-degree burn that has the characteristic area of ​​the wound area of ​​no more than 8 centimeters (cm). In addition, this type of wound only covers the outermost skin and is considered not serious. Symptoms that appear, usually such as pain, redness, and swelling. Examples of first degree burns are burns on the surface of the skin that is burned by direct sunlight.

• Moderate burns

Moderate burns are second-degree burns that have blistered skin characteristics, are very tender and reddish. This type of burn requires emergency medical care, especially if the burn extends in an important area, such as the face, hands, buttocks, groin or thighs and legs. Some second-degree burns require healing time of more than three weeks.

• Severe burns

Severe burns or level 3 burns, including serious burns, because it damages the entire layer of skin and fat, even to the muscles and bones. Fire victims who suffer severe burns can experience carbon monoxide poisoning, shortness of breath or scorched skin.

How to Overcome Minor Burns

Minor burns can generally be handled alone at home, but must be done in the right way. Things to consider when giving first aid to minor burns are:

• Burns need to be cooled to relieve pain. You can put a towel soaked in cold water to the wound.
• Avoid breaking blisters because of the risk of causing infection.
• Wash with clean running water if there are blisters that break by themselves.
• If the pain is unbearable, the patient can take pain relievers, such as paracetamol, or other pain medications as directed by the doctor.

Treatment of Moderate Burns

Treatment of moderate burns at home is generally almost the same as minor burns. It's just that, under certain conditions, moderate burns should be seen by a doctor. The following is the treatment of moderate burns:

• Cool the burn area with a towel for about 15 minutes.
• Avoid breaking blisters because of the risk of causing infection.
• Check with your doctor if you have a large blister wound, if the burn is large enough, or if there is an infection in the form of swelling, redness, and pain that is getting worse. The doctor may give medications in the form of painkillers or antibiotics.

You also need to see a doctor immediately, if the burns affect certain areas such as the face, hands, buttocks, groin, or legs.

Steps for Relief of Severe Burns

As a form of first aid in severe burns, immediately drag the victim to the emergency department (ER) or call an emergency ambulance at the nearest hospital. While waiting, you can do something to help the victim, for example:

• Keep victims away from sources of fire or areas adjacent to fire or smoke.
• Make sure the victim can breathe smoothly.
• If necessary and if possible, provide breathing assistance.
• Remove jewelry, belts, or accessories that circle around the burned area.
• To prevent hypothermia, do not give cold water to extensive burns. This is also to prevent a drop in blood pressure and blood flow drastically.
• Cover the burn with a clean cloth or soft, cold plaster.
• Avoid applying the medicine or ointment to the burned area outside the doctor's recommendation. In addition, applying ice or applying butter can actually be harmful to the burned skin tissue.
• Lay the patient with the leg raised at least 40 cm.
• Use a blanket or coat on the patient's body.

Apart from understanding first aid in burns, it is important to take preventative measures. It is recommended to store the fire extinguisher at home. If you live in an apartment, make sure the building is equipped with an alarm that sounds in the event of a fire. Keep children away from fire and hot water without supervision.