These notes emphasize recognizing the severity of heat and cold-related conditions and outline immediate first aid steps to stabilize the casualty until professional help arrives.
Recognition:
Areas of superficial, partial and/ or full-thickness burns.
Pain.
Difficulty breathing.
Features of shock (pp. 114-115).
What to Do:
1. Start cooling the injury as soon as possible.
a. Flood the burn with plenty cold water.
b. Help casualty to sit down.
2. Call 112.
3. Continue cooling the affected area for at least 20 minutes or until pain is relieved.
4. Do not touch or otherwise interfere with the burn (remove gently watches, jewellery, belts,
clothing before tissue begin to swell).
5. When the burn is cooled cover the area with kitchen firm, bag to protect infection. If not
available use a sterile dressing or folded triangular bandage.
6. Reassure the casualty and cover them to keep them warm. Record vital signs. Collect and record
history of event details.
Minor Burns and Scalds
Page 178
Recognition:
Reddened skin.
Pain in the area of the affected skin.
Later – blistering on the affected skin.
What to Do:
1. Flood the injured part with cold water for at least 20 minutes or until the pain relieved
2. Gently remove any rings and other jewellery, clothing from the injured area before it
begins to swell.
3. When the burn is cooled, cover the area with kitchen firm, bag to protect infection. If not
available use a sterile dressing or folded triangular bandage.
4. Seek medical advice if the casualty is a child or if any doubt about the casualty’s
condition.
, EFFECTS OF HEAT AND COLD
Caution:
Do not remove any sticking to the burn.
Do not burst any blisters.
Do not apply any lotion or oilmen.
The use of specialized dressings, sprays and gels to cool the burns is not recommended.
If the burn is on face do not cover it.
Do not leave casualty to eat or drink because possibly they will need anaesthetic.
Burns to the Airways
Page 179
Very serious because the air passages rapidly become swollen (signs of burning).
Always suspect damage to the airway. If a casualty sustains burns in a confined space since they are
likely to have inhaled hot air gases.
Recognition:
Soot around the nose and mouth.
Singeing of nasal hair.
Redness, swelling or actual burning of the tongue.
Hoarseness of the voice.
Breathing difficulties.
Caution
If the casualty becomes unresponsive, open the airway and check breathing (pp. 56-57).
What to Do:
1. Call 112. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect burns to the casualty’s airway.
2. Take any steps possible to improve the casualty’s air supply e.g. loosening clothing
around neck.
3. Offer the casualty ice or small sips of cold water to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Reassure casualty. Monitor and record vital signs (pp. 54-55) until help arrive.
Electrical Burn
Page 180
Caution
• Do not approach a casualty injured by high-voltage electricity until you are officially told
that the current is switched off (pp.34-35).
• If the casualty is unresponsive, open the airway and check their breathing (The
unresponsive casualty, pp.56-89).
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