Some basic information on treatment of burns

FOR ALL SEVERE BURNS -  PHONE 111

The first aid given to a burn victim largely depends on the cause of
the burn and the degree of severity.

Emergency first aid for burns or scalds should primarily be:
* the exclusion of air from the burned area
* relief of the pain that immediately follows burns
* minimizing the onset of shock
* the prevention of infection.

Remove all clothing from the injured area, but cut around any clothing that adheres to the skin and leave it in place. Keep the patient covered, except the injured part, since there is a tendency to chill.

First aid dressings for burns and scalds should be free of grease or oil. The use of greases or oils in the treatment of burns makes it necessary to cleanse the burned or scalded areas with a solvent before medical treatment can begin. This delays the medical treatment and is very painful.

Be careful when dressing burns and scalds. Burned and scalded surfaces are subject to infection the same as open wounds and require the same care to prevent infection.

Do not break blisters intentionally. Never permit burned surfaces to be in contact with each other.
Parts of the body where this may occur include:
* Areas between the fingers or toes;
* The ears and the side of the head;
* The undersurface of the arm and the chest wall;
* The folds of the groin.

Cover bandages should be loose enough to prevent pressure on burned
surfaces. As swelling often takes place after burn dressings have been
applied, check them frequently to see that they are not too tight.
Watch for evidence of shock and treat if it is present.

In cases of severe burns, remove the victim to the hospital as quickly
as possible. The victim will probably require an anaesthetic so that
ordinarily nothing should be given by mouth