Update to First Aid for Burns

By Bill, posted
This blog post addresses a major update to the treatment process for burns that first aiders will need to know, particularly if not having done a first aid course within the past year. Overall anyone can benefit from the most up to date advice even if you choose not to undertake first aid training.
Burns typically occur from contact with extremely hot surfaces which can damage the protective layers of skin and even penetrate the inner body. Understanding how to treat burns can limit their damage and reduce future problems such as scarring. 


Current Protocol


The latest is advice is to place the burnt area of skin under cool / tepid running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. It may be necessary to improvise if a person has collapsed or the area of body is not suitable to be placed near a sink. In these cases running water can be used with a bucket and a jug or the casualty could be moved to an area where there is a shower.

Helpful hint - Make sure the bucket of water is changed regularly to keep the water temperature low


Old Protocol


The old protocol for those who are confused was to place the burnt area of skin under cool / tepid running water for a minimum of 10 minutes. 


Why the Change


The latest research has linked longer periods of water treatment with reduced levels of damage and further complications. In light of this an updated treatment protocol was advised and released in the public domain with the aim of improving pre-hospital admission care.

Helpful hint - Call 999 /112 when a casualty is immobile and / or is showing signs of hypovlemic shock


Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

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