First aid for fire Burns

Fire burns are technically classified as Thermal burns. Thermal burns can be caused by Hot water, Accidental touch while cooking and fire.

First step is to reduce tissue injury:

In case of fire, most important thing is to put out the fire or move to a safe place which stops further damage to the body. In case the fire has caught to the clothes, the person should immediately fall on the floor and roll over it. This puts off the spread of the fire. If someone else witnesses the burning he can cover the victim with blanket to put off the fire.

Never run if there is fire caught to the clothes it will spread wild. One should not stand at the same place as it would lead to inhalation of the combustion fumes and burn the airways of the victim.

Once the first step is achieved, the treatment of the victim:

Immerse the burned body parts in cold water for 10 minutes or apply cool water dipped towel compresses. This limits tissue destruction. The victim should be given over the counter pain killers and antiseptic applications available in the first aid kit. There is no need to give oral antibiotics in this situation.

Many people would cover such parts with cotton. It is wise to apply the antiseptic and preserve it under simple gauze. It is even better to leave it open to the air for healing.

If large areas were involved it is better to take assistance and reach the emergency room. Pour cold water on that part but not ice. It is also better to involve the local public authority. Severe burns affect muscles, fat and bones hence treatment in an aseptic ward is taken up by a team of specialists under the guidance of Plastic surgeon.

Skin protects the body from a lot of foreign agents. If the skin is burnt the inner tissues are exposed to foreign agents and organisms causing severe infection.

It is very important to maintain good aseptic conditions in the house and at the hospital room to prevent occurrence of infection.