Burns and Scalds

Burns and Scalds.

As it is starting to get a little colder at night-time, we are going to start dusting off the wood fires. Invariably, at this time of year we’ll have one or two presentations at NIHRACS with children who get a little to close to the wood fire, as well as uncle who may have had a few too many and decides the old pot belly is a good spot to put his hand. Burns may come from a variety of sources, hot water, fireplaces, chemical or electrical burns, or industrial burns where bitumen may be involved. Burns can turn traumatic, both clinically and mentally, really quicky. It is important to have a good understanding of best practice for treating burn injuries, both minor injuries and the more major burns that may be life changing.

WHAT TO DO:

If clothing is burning, STOP, DROP and ROLL, pull casualty to the ground, roll around the ground and cover with a blanket or jacket until flames are extinguished.

If casualty has suffered a scald from hot liquid, remove damp clothing immediately.

Twenty minutes of cool running water is the best thing you can do to help a burn casualty. Avoid lotions, ointments, or other old wife’s tales, such as butter. Running cool water over the burn for 20 minutes, is the best treatment, doing this as soon as possible is the number one, best thing you can do for any burn.

Remove any items of jewellery or clothing from the burn area UNLESS the item is stuck to the burn area. AVOID touching the burn area, DO NOT burst blisters.

Cover burns with a non-adherent dressing, cling film, a wet clean dressing, we want to avoid having the burn exposed, which will decrease the risk of infection.

Seek Medical Assistance When:

The burn is deep, it may not be painful, but it is serious.

When the burn area is significant, larger than a 20-cent piece.

Whenever a burn involves airways, face, hands, or genitals.

When you are unsure, St. John Ambulance and NIHRACS are here to help.

If patient shows no signs of improvement or if the patient becomes unconscious, call triple zero (000) for the ambulance.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au/first-aid-facts

Our next skill drill will be held 13 May, at the St John Shed on Grassy Road.

If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au