First Aid in Severe Burns

Catastrophic events risk of fire or explosion causing severe burns and fatal. Before bringing the victim to the hospital, there are some things you can do to minimize damage to the body that occurs.

Severe burns or third degree burns are burns destroy all layers of the skin. Prolonged contact with the heat source and burns due to electric shock is a major cause third degree burns.

According to Stanley M. Zildo as quoted from his book entitled 'First Aid, How to Properly First Aid and Emergency', third degree burns symptoms such areas wounds appear white, the skin is destroyed and a little pain because the nerve endings have been damaged.

Some actions you can take if you see this case is:

1. If the victim is still in flames, put out the fire using blankets, bed covers, rugs, jackets or other materials. Do not remove clothing that is attached to the wound.

2. Sometimes victims experience difficulty breathing, especially when there are wounds on the neck, face and around the mouth, it could be due to smoke inhalation. Make checks to ensure the victim can breathe.

3. Attach a damp cloth or cold water to lower the temperature on the injured area. Do not use ice water to wounds on the face, hands and feet because they can cause shock.

4. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze and a thick, clean linen, pillowcases, clean diapers or other materials that can be found. But do not use materials that easily fall out like cotton or kapok. Do not apply oil or other herbs on the wound.

5. Immediately call an ambulance. Victims should receive medical treatment immediately.