A burn is a damage to the skin and the underlying tissues that can affect the entire human body. Due to the stinging agent, burns are divided into thermal and chemical and electrical.

Chemical, thermal or electric burns arise suddenly. They can have serious health consequences. Knowing the basics of first aid in such cases is crucial, it helps to reduce the consequences of a burn.

In every workplace it should be obligatory to have a first aid kit, which must include means to provide first aid to the injured person. It is also the employer’s duty to familiarize employees with the principles of first aid and the rules of using this first aid kit, but above all to create an effective system of its provision.

For thermal burns:

First, before we proceed to provide help, it is necessary to cut off the source of the burn and make sure that everyone is safe. In the next step, cool the burn for a minimum of 15 minutes, e.g. by pouring cold water on the place. But beware! The stream of water is not directed directly at the wound, but over it, from a distance of about a dozen or so centimeters. Only then can this place be secured with a sterile dressing. Remember that response time plays a key role. In addition, we do not pierce the blisters and do not tear off the closed, burnt clothes. It should also be checked that the airways have not been burned. If so, and in addition the burned person has lost consciousness, we immediately call an ambulance.

In the case of  chemical fumes:

In the case of a chemical burn, first aid proceeds similarly, but slightly differently. At the beginning (as above) you need to make sure that all people are safe. After that, it is necessary to get rid of contaminated clothing as soon as possible and abundantly rinse the skin with cold water. If the corrosive substance got inside, in no case should vomiting be provoked, because it can further irritate and damage the esophagus. It is important to determine which substance caused the burn and to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations contained in the Safety Data Sheet of this substance.

In the case of  electric fumes:

Here, too, the first action to be taken is to make sure that the victim is already safe and has no contact with the power source. In order to cut off this source, the injured person should be moved using an object that does not conduct electricity. It is also recommended, if safe, to disconnect the power supply. In case of an electric burn, hospitalization is necessary, so in this case you should immediately call an ambulance.

Source: https://www.seka.pl/jak-udzielic-pierwszej-pomocy-przy-oparzeniach/

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z Norwegii poprzez Fundusze Norweskie 2014-2021, w ramach programu „Dialog społeczny – godna praca”.