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First Aid

First aid for burns

To perform first aid for burns, it is first necessary to know the type of burn you are dealing with. There are three degrees of burns, first, second, and third degree. A first degree burn is less serious, since it affects only the top layers of skin. A sunburn is an example of a first degree burn. A second degree burn is more serious, since it penetrates deeper into the skin. A third degree burn very serious, and can go down even to the bone. Also bear in mind that a third degree burn will likely be surrounded by second and first degree burns. Those are burns caused by heat, there are also chemical burns, and electrical burns.

For first degree burns, the area of the burn will be red, but will not be blistered. It will likely be painful, but not immediately serious.
To deal with a first degree burn, cool the area of the burn as soon as possible, flush it with cool water, not cold water, and not ice. Keep flushing for until the pain goes away, 5 minutes or more.
A second degree burn is more serious, the skin will be red, but there will also be blisters.
To deal with a second degree burn you can gently flush with cool water, if the blisters are not broken, but if the blisters are broken use a dry sterile dressing and cool the surrounding area.
For a third degree burn, the area of the burn will be black. This is a serious burn. Take the victim to the hospital immediately, covering the burn with a sterile dry dressing.
A chemical burn is corrosion caused by a chemical. If the chemical is dry, like a powder, brush the powder away from the body thoroughly, since it may dissolve in water and cause a more severe reaction. If the chemical is in liquid form, flush the affected area for at least 15 minutes. Remembering that you want the water pushing the chemicals away from the body, so make sure that water washing the chemical away does not trail over any other parts of the body if it can be avoided.
For electrical burns, you will see evidence of some sort of mechanism of injury, like wires. Before approaching the victim ensure that the danger is removed, for example turning off the power. Next look for an entrance wound and an exit wound, since the electricity must enter and leave the body. These will look like third degree burns, and should be treated as such, meaning a trip to the hospital. Also be aware that an electrical burn may cause other problems, including cardiac arrest (the heart stops, definitely call an ambulance in this case).
So those are the types of burns, to summarize:

1st degree: Flush with cool water.

2nd degree: Gently flush with cool water if the surface of the skin is unbroken, and cover with a dry sterile dressing.

3rd degree: Cover with a dry sterile dressing, take victim to hospital (depending on the severity of the burn, you may need to call an ambulance.

Dry Chemical: Brush away thoroughly
Wet Chemical: Flush with water away from the body for at least 15 minutes.

Electrical burn: Remove the hazard, keep yourself safe. Treat like a third degree burn, taking the victim to the hospital or calling an ambulance.

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