Burns are classified in order of their severity and involvement in the tissues of the body; the classifications are: first, second and third degree burns. First aid for burns is specific to the burn injury. First aid for burns varies slightly from the less serious burns to the severe. Second degree burns can be as severe as some third degree burns if they cover a major portion of the body, or on tender areas of the arms, hands and feet.
First degree burns and first aid
The epidermis or the outermost layer of your skin is what is affected in a first degree burn. In the first degree burn the epidermis sometimes called the body's raincoat since it protects you from external elements and bacteria is not burned too badly. Unless sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin and buttock are affected, it is considered a minor burn. The first thing to do is to get away from the heat. Apply cool water in order to cool the burn. This will help ease the swelling and diminish the pain. A cool compress should be applied if available.
First aid and second degree burns
Second degree burns penetrate down to the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. There is a layer of fluid that collects between the epidermis and the dermis, which causes blistering. Severe pain is associated with a second degree burn due to swelling. As with the first degree burns the first aid for burns are the same. Remove yourself from the source of the burn. Run water over the burn or if that isn't feasible, place moist towels over the burn for 15 minutes to cool reduce the swelling and cool the burn. If the second degree burn is larger than 3 inches treat it as a major burn, especially if the burn is on the face, hands, feet, buttocks, groin or major joint. Large second degree burns should be treated like an emergency. Dial 911 and get medical help immediately.
Giving first aid to third degree burns
You would think that in third degree burns you would feel excruciating pain. But this is not true because the nerve endings have been burned away. It is hard to evaluate the severity of a third degree burn at first. The burn may have gone through fatty tissues or gone through muscle tissue or even right to the bone. Some PHDs even refer to a fourth degree burn when it has gone to the bone.
For 3rd degree burns, start by making sure that the victim is moved to a safe area. Call 911 or anyone else that can help. In the meantime get the victim to lay down with their feet positioned high above their heart. This will help to alleviate any symptoms of shock. Do not soak the injury in water as this may cause the victim to go into shock. Get a wet cool cloth and apply to the burned area to try and cool things down a little. Do not remove any clothing that appears to be stuck to the wound. Let the pros take care of the victim when they arrive. - 29972
First degree burns and first aid
The epidermis or the outermost layer of your skin is what is affected in a first degree burn. In the first degree burn the epidermis sometimes called the body's raincoat since it protects you from external elements and bacteria is not burned too badly. Unless sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin and buttock are affected, it is considered a minor burn. The first thing to do is to get away from the heat. Apply cool water in order to cool the burn. This will help ease the swelling and diminish the pain. A cool compress should be applied if available.
First aid and second degree burns
Second degree burns penetrate down to the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. There is a layer of fluid that collects between the epidermis and the dermis, which causes blistering. Severe pain is associated with a second degree burn due to swelling. As with the first degree burns the first aid for burns are the same. Remove yourself from the source of the burn. Run water over the burn or if that isn't feasible, place moist towels over the burn for 15 minutes to cool reduce the swelling and cool the burn. If the second degree burn is larger than 3 inches treat it as a major burn, especially if the burn is on the face, hands, feet, buttocks, groin or major joint. Large second degree burns should be treated like an emergency. Dial 911 and get medical help immediately.
Giving first aid to third degree burns
You would think that in third degree burns you would feel excruciating pain. But this is not true because the nerve endings have been burned away. It is hard to evaluate the severity of a third degree burn at first. The burn may have gone through fatty tissues or gone through muscle tissue or even right to the bone. Some PHDs even refer to a fourth degree burn when it has gone to the bone.
For 3rd degree burns, start by making sure that the victim is moved to a safe area. Call 911 or anyone else that can help. In the meantime get the victim to lay down with their feet positioned high above their heart. This will help to alleviate any symptoms of shock. Do not soak the injury in water as this may cause the victim to go into shock. Get a wet cool cloth and apply to the burned area to try and cool things down a little. Do not remove any clothing that appears to be stuck to the wound. Let the pros take care of the victim when they arrive. - 29972
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on First Aid Guides, then visit www.firstaid-tips.com to find the best advice on first aid for you and your family.
