Burns – how to provide first aid?

What are burns?

Burns are injuries to the skin and soft tissue caused by high temperature, chemicals, radiation or electric current. They can be painful and cause serious damage to the body. Therefore, it is important to know how to provide first aid to a burn victim.

Degrees of burns

Burns are divided into three degrees:

1. First-degree burns – affect only the epidermis and are characterized by skin redness and pain.
2. Second degree burns – affect the epidermis and dermis, causing blisters, redness and pain.
3. Third degree burns – cover all layers of the skin and can lead to the destruction of tissues and even bones and muscles.

Types of burns

There are many types of burns, including:

• Thermal burns – caused by high temperatures, such as burns from fire, hot water or steam.
• Chemical burns – caused by skin contact with chemicals such as acids or bases.
• Radiation burns – caused by UV radiation or other types of radiation, such as sunburn or radiation burns.
• Electrical burns – caused by electric current, which can lead to damage to internal tissues.

Burns – first aid

If someone suffers a burn, you should act quickly and carefully:

1. Secure the scene to avoid further exposure to the causative agent.
2. Assess the severity of the burn and try to cool the wound with cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes.
3. Remove loose clothing or objects from the injured person, but do not remove tissue adjacent to the wound.
4. Cover the burn with a non-adherent dressing to avoid infection.
5. Avoid using ointments or other substances unless directed by your doctor.

Burns – when to see a doctor?

Some burns require immediate medical attention, such as:

• Third degree burns.
• Chemical burns.
• Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals or large joints.
• Electrical burns.
• Burns in children and the elderly.

If you have any doubts about the severity of the burn, it is always best to consult a doctor.

Your suggestions

Remember that providing first aid for burns is an important skill. It’s always worth being prepared and attending first aid courses to learn more about it.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of burns and first aid, we recommend that you read our other articles on the topic and consult your doctor for more detailed information on burn care.

It is worth remembering that providing first aid for burns can significantly influence the quick recovery process of the injured person. Therefore, it is worth knowing the rules of providing help and being prepared for possible situations that may arise in everyday life.