How to Provide First Aid for Burns? Life-Saving Steps

Burns are one of the common emergencies we may encounter in daily life, and often there is uncertainty about what should be done. Burns occur when the skin or deeper tissues are exposed to excessive heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Properly intervening in burns is crucial to prevent more serious health issues and to accelerate the healing process.

In this article, we will discuss how to provide first aid for burns, the steps to follow according to the type of burn, and when to seek professional medical help based on the severity of the burn.

Types of Burns

Burns are generally classified into three main categories:

  1. First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)

    • Only the outer layer of the skin is affected.
    • Redness, pain, mild swelling, and dryness of the skin are common.
    • Example: Sunburns.

  2. Second-Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns)

    • Affects the deeper layers of the skin, often resulting in blisters.
    • Intense pain and red, moist skin.
    • Example: Burns caused by hot water, oil, or electrical shock.

  3. Third-Degree Burns (Full-Thickness Burns)

    • Affects all layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, and sometimes deeper tissues).
    • The skin may appear white, brown, or black.
    • No pain is typically felt because nerve endings are damaged.
    • Example: Severe burns from fire or electrical contact.

First Aid Steps for Burns

Regardless of the type of burn, it’s important to act quickly and correctly. Here are the essential first aid steps for burns:

1. Cool the Burn Area

The first step is to cool the burn area. Cooling it with cold water reduces the skin temperature and minimizes damage.

  • For First-Degree Burns: Hold the affected area under cool water for 10-15 minutes.
  • For Second and Third-Degree Burns: Similarly, cool the area with water for 10-15 minutes. However, avoid using ice-cold water, as it may cause further damage to the skin.

2. Keep the Area Clean

It’s important to prevent dirt and foreign substances from entering the burn area, as this can increase the risk of infection.

  • Do not wash the burn area with soap and water, as it can cause further irritation. Simply rinse it with clean, cool water.
  • If the wound is open, cover it with a clean, sterile gauze.

3. Cover the Area (If Needed)

To protect the burn area from infection, cover it with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. This also helps reduce pain.

  • For First-Degree Burns, covering is usually unnecessary, as these burns affect only the outer layer of skin.
  • For Second and Third-Degree Burns, wrap the area with a clean, dry cloth to protect it from external contaminants.

4. Alleviate Pain

Burns can be extremely painful. For pain relief, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used as part of first aid. This is especially useful for first-degree burns and second-degree burns.

  • Medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain.
  • Cold compresses can also be applied gently to the burn area to reduce pain.

5. Prevent Fluid Loss

Burns can cause significant fluid loss, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Depending on the severity of the burn, fluid loss can be serious. Therefore, the person affected should stay hydrated.

6. Seek Medical Help for Serious Burns

In cases of severe burns, it is essential to seek professional medical help. The following situations require emergency medical intervention:

  • Third-Degree Burns (which affect deeper layers of the skin).
  • Burns on the face, hands, feet, genital area, or large joints.
  • Burns caused by electrical shock.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Large or deep burns.
  • Symptoms of shock, difficulty breathing, or severe weakness.
  • Signs of infection in the burn area (yellow or green discharge, foul odor, etc.).

7. First Aid for Chemical Burns

For chemical burns, the first step is to remove the chemical from the body. Follow these steps:

  • Immediately rinse the area with plenty of water.
  • Remove clothing contaminated with chemicals.
  • Seek emergency medical help, as some chemical burns can cause serious complications.

Healing Burns

Burns typically heal over a few weeks, especially when proper care and protection are provided. During this healing period, it is important to follow the steps to protect the skin.

  • The burn area should be protected from the sun, as sun exposure can worsen skin damage.
  • Moisturizers can be used to speed up the healing process.

Conclusion

Burns are serious health concerns that can lead to permanent scars or even life-threatening complications if not properly managed. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the right first aid steps for any type of burn and to seek professional medical assistance when necessary.

Remember, first aid methods vary based on the severity of the burn. In any emergency, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. By seeking help from healthcare professionals, you can prevent further harm and ensure that the burn heals properly.