22. FIRST AID FOR COMMON INJURIES 106
Burns
Rescue the victim and smother his burning clothes.
Keep the victim lying down while you are smothering the fire – this
will prevent the flames from burning his neck or face.
If your own clothes are burning, smother the fire by rolling on the ground
or by using a smothering (fire) blanket.
Cool the burned area immediately with cold running water. You can also
apply a wet cold compress. It is more important to cool the burned area than
to remove any clothing from the area. Any delay may cause a surface burn
to turn into a deep one. Cool the area for 20-30 minutes.
Do not puncture blisters. They prevent the risk of infection.
Cover the injured area with a sterile pad or a special burn bandage.
Keep a burn victim from getting cold.
If the person is badly injured, take him in a lying position to further
medical care.
If an injured person has been exposed to smoke and you suspect carbon
monoxide poisoning, take him immediately to fresh air.
Second-degree burns and burns that cover an area larger than the palm of
the victim’s hand must be directed for further treatment. The patient must
be sent for further treatment if the areas of burn include e.g. the respiratory
tract, mucous membranes or facial area. Same goes for burns caused by
electricity, compressed steam or chemicals. Also, third second degree burns
must be directed for further medical treatment.
If hot combustion gases
have reached the respiratory
tracts, there is a risk for airways
to close and thus the patient’s
breathing will fail. The person having
breathing difficulties may feel
more pleasant in supported
half-sitting position.