Online First Aid Course

Our CPR/AED courses include Adult, Child and Infant techniques. Additionally, our CPR certification course includes training on the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The CPR/AED certification is valid for 2 years.

Chapter 23: Burn Emergencies

Defined :

The skin is the body’s largest organ. A burn is an injury to this organ, the skin. Burn treatments vary based on the severity of the injury.

Causes :

Chemical burns
Electrical burns
Faulty appliances (i.e., space heaters)
Fire / Flame (i.e., matches)
Heat (i.e., hot liquid, steam)
Kitchen accidents (i.e., hot surfaces – stoves, ovens, irons)
Motor vehicle accidents

Signs and Symptoms :

Blistering
Coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing (burned airway)
Numbness in the skin
Oozing fluid
Pain
Peeling skin
Red, white or charred skin
Shock
Swelling

Common Emergency Example(s) :

First Degree Burn (Superficial) :

A first degree burn affects only the uppermost or outer layer of the skin. This burn causes mild redness, swelling and pain.

Second Degree Burn (Partial Thickness) :

A second degree, or partial thickness, burn affects both the upper layer of the skin and the skin underneath it. Some specific symptoms for this burn include: redness, swelling, pain and blistering.

Third Degree Burn (Full Thickness):

A third degree, or full thickness, burn is the most severe and destroys the deep layers of the skin. This can lead to numb skin and white or blackened skin.

DO NOT:

Apply ointments or any household remedies to severe burns
Blow air or cough on the burn
Disturb any blister or charred skin
Give the person anything to eat or drink if the burn is severe
Place a severe burn under ice-cold water
Remove anything that is stuck to the burn
Touch the burn and risk infection
Use any kind of dressing that may stick to the burn

First Aid Actions / Treatment :

Assess the scene and check for your safety, especially at the scene of an electrical injury. Stay clear of the person if he / she is in contact with a power source that is on.
Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
If someone is on fire, have them Stop, Drop, and Roll – cover with a wet blanket to put the fire out. Replace with a dry blanket when the fire is out.
Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) if the burn is severe (third-degree burn) or the scene becomes unsafe.
Remove clothing or jewelry that is NOT stuck to the skin / burn.
Cool all burns with cold water (not ice-cold water; don’t use ice) until the burning subsides; cover with a dry, sterile dressing.
If necessary in severe conditions, provide CPR. If you do not know how, give Hands-Only CPR.