One of the most common accidents that a person can experience in their lifetime are burns. For this reason it is very important to know how to apply the corresponding first aid and to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
As a general rule, first aid is a medical concept that is referred to the guidelines that are performed to help someone. In this way they are applied or required in an emergency situation or that puts a person at risk. For example, in the event of an accident or if the patient spontaneously developed a disorder.
In addition, measurements are usually performed in the same place and They can save the life of the person in danger. They also precede more complex methods that are performed by the medical team in a specialized center such as a hospital.
What happens when the skin burns?
Currently, the burns are Frequent injuries both at home and at work. Depending on their characteristics, they vary between injuries or minor injuries and those that put the patient’s life at risk.
On the other hand, it is a skin alteration that can be produced by various agents dangerous. For example, among these we can include extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). Furthermore, prolonged exposure to the sun’s radiation, contact with chemicals or electrical currents can also cause burns.
The skin is a layer that protects the body from the external environment. However, when its limits are exceeded, different types of injuries appear depending on the situation of the subject.
Third degree burns
This is the most severe type of burn possible. The tissue may appear whitish or black. This is because the damage extends to the deeper layers of the skin.
It also reaches the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue, which consists mainly of fat. Since the nerve endings are also destroyed, the patient does not feel any discomfort. Also, the wound has a leathery feel and there is numbness in the area.
What is the first aid to apply?
Anyway, the medical team should consider both degree and extent and the location of the burn to treat it well in the hospital. However, first aid can be performed to calm the person down in the event of an accident. In this way we must:
- End the cause of the incident or remove the patient from it. For example, from a heat source, electric currents, etc.
- Check that the patient is breathing and pay attention to signs of shock and identify other possible more serious injuries.
- Apply cold water to the burned area for a few minutes to lower the temperature of the wound. Before the patient should be removed from clothing near the problem area.
- Gently place moist gauze over the burn.
- Extend moisturizers or aloe vera.
Under no circumstances should we do the following:
- Tear off clothing attached to the patient’s skin.
- Administer drugs, alcohol, etc.
- Pop the blisters in the wound.
- Cooling the burned area for too long can cause hypothermia in the patient.
As indicated by scientific literature“every year at least 1% of the population suffers burns and of these, 4% require hospitalization”. For this reason it is important to know how to act on a case-by-case basis, not to give up medical assistance if the burn is second or third degree, and to avoid self-medication, as this could greatly complicate the situation.
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