How to Treat a Burn Victims with CPR and First Aid

Skin burns are serious injuries that require immediate attention. The type of burn will dictate the actions when providing first aid treatment of burns. The larger the body area burned, the greater the disruption of the skin’s ability to properly maintain body temperature. The deeper a burn wound goes into the skin and underlying tissue, the more likely the risk of infection. Burn-related first aid is best performed by people who know what to do for victims. Read on how to treat burn victims with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid Learning.

Why is First Aid Treatment Essential for Burn Injuries?

Early first aid for burns minimize the damage and prevent later complications. Burns require immediate attention, but the wrong treatment can be more problematic than helpful. Hence, it is crucial to learn basic first aid for burns that will help minimize the damage and help the victim to recover successfully.

Also Read- 7 Ways First Aid Training Will Help Your Business

What Is a Minor Burn?

A minor or mild burn, such as a first-degree burn, damages the outer layer and underlying layers of skin from thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation exposure. They can cause pain, swelling, and blisters. Minor burns are treated with first aid, such as cool water, nonstick bandage bandages, and over-the-counter pain reliever.

What Is a Major Burn?

A major burn is defined as a burn covering more than 25% of the total body surface area. Similarly, you should treat any injury over more than 10% with first aid. Examples of major burns are second-degree burns and third-degree burns. Rapid assessment is vital for these types of burns. The damaged tissue may be surgically removed and replaced by skin grafts or healthy skin. You need to see healthcare professionals or call the emergency medical services team if you notice signs of infection like pain, oozing, redness, and swelling.

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First Aid Treatment for Burns?

• Removing any material covering the injury, such as wet clothing. Cut around portions of clothing that stick to the injury.
• Flood the area with cold water for at least ten minutes. This will stop the burning and relieve pain.
• Cover the burn with a sterile dressing, free from oils and grease. (Oils and grease need to be removed before additional medical assistance is provided, causing additional and unnecessary pain and increasing the chance of infection.)
• Protect the burn injury from foreign materials, including germs and rescuer’s fingers, from entering the burned area.
• Treat pain associated with the burn.
• Check on dressings, jewelry, and clothing to ensure that they do not become too tight if swelling increases.
• Monitor the victim for signs of shock.
• Seek additional medical attention or call 911 for severe burns.

In the case of minor thermal burns, use cool, moist gauze bandages to treat the injury. Tape can be used to secure wet gauze over burned eyes. Use dry sterile bandages for more severe thermal burns.

Also Read- The 3 Different Types Of Burns And Their Treatment

First Aid Treatment for Blisters:

Blisters are “bubbles” that form under the skin. They are caused when tissue in the burned areas leaks fluid, known as serum. Blisters caused by burns should never be broken. The skin underneath is damaged and susceptible to infection. Management of blisters does not necessarily need proper treatment beyond what is necessary for medical care for burn injuries.

In some cases, the blister is located in an area that leaves it at risk for damage. If a blister breaks or seems likely to break, cover it with a dry, non-adhesive clean bandage. Ensure that the bandage or dressing extends beyond the edges of the blister.

Also Read- How to Treat Hot Water Burn Injury

First Aid Treatment for Chemical Burns:

Chemical burns require additional steps during emergency medical treatment. Often, signs of chemical burns will present slower than other types of burns. Here’s how you can treat chemical burns:

• Remove any clothing contaminated with the chemical agent.
• Apply a neutralizing solution only if recommended by a physician.
• For dry chemical (alkali) burns, brush all loose powder from the victim. Then rinse the area with generous amounts of water. Mixing alkali powders with water creates a corrosive substance.
• For other chemical burns, rinse the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Potable water is preferred.

In the case of chemical burns to the eye:

• Have the victim lie down.
• Use fingertips to hold the eye open and slowly pour water into the inner corner of the eye.
• Continue flushing until water flows across the entire eye and clears the contaminants.
• Cover the eyes with moistened gauze and seek medical attention from an eye specialist.
• Do not use neutralizing solutions on the eyes.

First Aid Treatment for Electrical Burns:

Electrical burns often combine with more serious medical emergencies due to electrical shock.

• Cardiac and respiratory arrests are the most serious. Careful monitoring is necessary to identify and treat these issues.
• Another potential effect of electrical shock is bone fractures. The fractures are due to severe muscle contractions and require splinting.
• Often, the entry-exit points for electrical burns show signs of damage. Usually, an internal, hidden trail of damage connects the two points. A brown, coppery residue may also be present in instances of high-voltage shock. Do not confuse it for an additional injury.
• Ensure that the victim is disconnected from the source of the shock before rescuers touch the victim.

Also Read- Electrical Burns: First Aid Treatment and Prevention Tips

First Aid Treatment for Radiation Burns:

Radiation is undetectable to humans. Rescuers responding to radiation burns need to take great care to ensure they are not subjected to the radiation source. If the radioactive material is still present, emergency personnel with specific protective gear must treat the patient. In any case, rescuers should spend as little time as possible in the presence of radiation.

Also Read- How to Treat Sunburn at Home?

At CPR Select, we offer basic first aid courses online that will prepare you to provide first aid for those injured due to burn. We offer basic first aid training, combined CPR and first aid certification, and CPR/First Aid recertification online classes. The courses we provide can be taken at your convenience and are presented by AHA-certified instructors.

Also Read- Why Choose CPR Select for your Training?

Key Takeaways

Burns can be attributed to thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation causes. Severe burns can affect more than the layer of skin. It can cause respiratory failure, and the victim may go into shock and cause death. Blindness can result from burns to the eyes.  Here are some key takeaways from this post: