WILDSIDE

ZIMBABWE

CHEMICAL BURNS

 

1. Quickly remove any contaminated clothing

Avoid contact with any chemical and further injury to the patient.

If the chemical is a powder brush it off, avoiding contact, before flushing with water.

 

2. Cool the injury

Flood the burned area with copious amounts of water and continue for up to 20 minutes.

 

3. If a chemical solution has splashed into the eyes

Hold the affected eyelids open to ensure water washes thoroughly under the lids to remove any trapped chemical.

Call for an ambulance urgently.

 

BITUMEN BURNS

  • If a limb or finger is involved, flood the area with cool water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Cover any explosed burns with a non-stick dressing.
  • Do not apply lotions or ointments.
  • Do not pop blisters
  • Do not attempt to remove the bitumen
  • Seek medical assistance
  • Burns involving the mouth or throat
  • If the patient has been accidentally exposed to fire or heated gases, damage may occur to the mouth and airway. There may be signs of burning around the lips, nose, mouth, eyebrows or lashes.

 

A dry cough or hoarse voice is an early sign of airway injury and prompt medical care is essential.

 

1. Remove the patient to a safe area

If in a closed area, and if safe for the first aider, it is vital to remove the patient to a place free of the risk of further injury and preferably into fresh air.

 

2. Cool the injury

If smoke or toxic gases may have been inhaled – including carbon monoxide from a vehicle exhaust, chlorine, ammonia or hydrochloric acid – remove the patient from any enclosed or restricted area into an open area, pour running  water over the burn for 20 minutes.

If there is any breathing difficulty allow the patient to find the position enabling easy breathing with the head and chest raised.

After an inhalation incident the patient may suffer from a severe lack of oxygen due to internal damage to the throat, upper airway and lungs.

 

Call for an ambulance.

 

Sunburn

  • Sunburn ointment can be applied for minor burns that are not severely blistered and have no broken skin. (Check the expiry date of the ointment.)
  • Patient should drink plenty of fluid (nonalcoholic).
  • Seek medical assistance for large-area sunburns, or if the patient is feeling unwell, or if large blisters are associated with the burn

 

REF: St Johns Ambulance - www.stjohn.org.nz