Emergency burn treatment

Depending on the type of burn (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree) the victim may need emergency medical treatment. It is very important to know how to evaluate a burn to tell what level it is and to know what to do in each type of burn case. This article will give advice on how to treat all types of burns from sunburns, burns from fire to electrical and chemical burns.

A first degree burn is a minor burn involving only the top layer of skin. A sunburn is an example of a first degree burn. This type of burn is red and hot, but there is no swelling or blistering.

A second degree burn involves the top layer of skin as well as part of the layers underneath. The skin is a light red and blistery, somewhat swollen and moist and oozing. The pain is very severe.

A third degree burn involves all the layers of the skin. The burn will destroy the nerves and the blood vessels in the skin. There is very little pain at first. The burn area is white, yellow, black or cherry red. The skin will be dry and leathery.

A fourth degree burn goes through all the layers of the skin and down into the muscle and the bone. It looks like a third degree burn and does great harm to the body structure. Since the nerves are burnt there is little pain in this burn.

For first and second degree burns you must begin to minimize the damage quickly. Immerge the affected area in cool running water until the burning feelings leave. This can take longer than 10 minutes. Do not stop this cooling off step too early. If the victim is burnt through the clothing, as in a spill of hot liquid, do not remove the clothing - immediately immerse the burnt area in the cool water. Butter, oil, lotions, or creams should not be

applied to burns. They will worsen it. Covering the burn with adhesive dressing or bandages is also not advisable, burns need to breath.

For third and fourth degree burns call for emergency medical assistance or take them immediately to the emergency room. Do not remove any clothing stuck to the burnt area, cover with a clean cloth.

An electrical burn will most likely include an electrical shock. If the victim is still connected to the electrical contact do not try to pull them off. To break the contact switch off the current if possible. Or if that is not possible use a wooden broom handle or other nonconductive item to push the current away from the victim. Go to the emergency room or start CPR if the victim has stopped breathing.

Chemical burns are those from corrosive liquids like acid. Immediately pour cool running water over the area to dilute and wash away the chemical. Take victim in for medical treatment.