Download BURNs FIRsT AId sAVEs LIVEs ANd pREVENTs FURTHER

JUVENILE And Family Fire awareness program
FAMILY INFORMATION KIT FACT SHEET 3
BURNS FIRST AID SAVES LIVES
AND PREVENTS FURTHER INJURY
4
Check for danger and
call for help
Cool the burn for
20 minutes
Watch out for hazards such as
electrical wires and fire. If it is safe,
stop, disconnect or remove these
hazards before you help the patient
to avoid further injury. If the scene is
unsafe, call triple zero (000) or the
relevant authorities for help.
Never use ice, oils or creams.
Cooling methods should be applied
for at least 20 minutes and be
administered as soon as possible.
1
2
Stop the burning
Stop, drop, cover, roll.
Remove the burning source
or move the patient.
The source of heat or burning
should be stopped or removed.
This includes removing burned
clothing, unless it is stuck to the
patient. Jewellery on burned limbs
should also be removed as it may
constrict when swelling occurs over
the next few hours. If there is a
nappy, please remove if burn near
nappy area.
3
ABCs
Remember to monitor airway,
breathing and circulation as part
of basic life support. Call 000 if the
patient is unwell.
Cooling the wound is very important,
it can significantly reduce the size
of injury as well as reduce pain and
swelling. Cooling the burn has an
effect up to three hours post injury.
Clean, cool running water between
five to 25 degrees Celsius is the
best choice. Wet towels, refreshed
with cool water every two to three
minutes or burn specific gelsheets
are useful alternatives if cool running
water is not available.
Lakes, oceans, rivers and swimming
pools can also help cool the burn, but
there is an infection risk in still water.
As such, these cooling methods
should only be used when other first
aid options are unavailable. Ice or icy
water can cause further injury.
Never use water below four degrees
Celsius as it causes reduced skin
blood-flow which can increase skin
damage. Keep the patient warm.
FAMILY INFORMATION KIT FACT SHEET 3
BURNS FIRST AID SAVES LIVES
AND PREVENTS FURTHER INJURY
6
Avoid hypothermia
Cool the wound, but warm
the patient.
Hypothermia is a risk especially in children
and the elderly.
Chemical burns are serious
Chemical burns require additional irrigation
and urgent medical attention for treatment
specific to the chemical injury. If you are
unsure of the chemical involved, bring the
chemical bottle or label to the hospital.
5
Cover the wound
Attempt to keep unburned areas of the skin
dry and warm, remove wet clothing and
wrap the patient in a clean blanket.
7
Seek medical aid urgently
Seek urgent aid at your doctor, local
emergency department or call an
ambulance. You can also get advice from
HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.
Wet clothes or towels are
good dressings.
Dressings help reduce pain and infection.
Wet, clean, cotton dressings are a good
choice. Gelbased burns specific dressings
are an alternative.
TSP16463 Sept 2013
DFES | 20 Stockton Bend | Cockburn Central WA 6164
GPO Box P1174 | PERTH WA 6844 | T: +61 8 9395 9488 | F: +61 8 9395 9462
E: [email protected] | W: www.dfes.wa.gov.au
The information contained in this brochure is provided by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) voluntarily as a public service. This
brochure has been prepared in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. Nevertheless,
the reliability and accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed and DFES expressly disclaims any liability for any act or omission done or not
done in reliance on the information and for any consequences, whether direct or indirect, arising from such act or omission. This brochure is intended
to be a guide only and readers should obtain their own independent advice and make their own necessary inquiries.
September 2013
Government of Western Australia
Department of Fire & Emergency Services
Government of Western Australia
Government of Western Australia
Department
of Health
Fire & Emergency Services Authority
Princess Margaret Hospital