Instructions on proper first aid for people with thermal burns

When a burn accident occurs, it is necessary to remove the victim from the dangerous area, cool the burn wound and prepare for the next emergency steps.

Among all types of burns, thermal burns are the most common . Thermal burns are burns caused by contact with hot objects such as boiling water, steam, hot cooking oil, fire.

Proper first aid for thermal burns helps reduce the area and depth of the burn, reduce residual complications, and improve treatment effectiveness.

Among all types of burns, thermal burns are the most common. (Illustration).

Below are 6 steps for proper first aid and emergency treatment for thermal burns, recommended by the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control to the community.

Step 1: Eliminate contact with burn agents

Ensure safety: Take the victim to a safe, airy place to prepare for emergency treatment.
Eliminate the cause: Quickly remove the burning agent from the victim, for example, remove the victim from the fire, extinguish the fire on the victim.

Remove clothing, jewelry. causes of burns on the victim . Note: There are fabrics that burn more tightly and stick to the victim so you should not tear them off.

Step 2: Initial assessment and ensuring vital functions

Consciousness test: Determine the victim's state of consciousness (conscious or unconscious).

Airway and breathing: Check the airway and respiratory status (whether there is apnea or difficulty breathing).

Circulation : Check the peripheral pulse and see if there is cardiac arrest.

Combined trauma : Detect combined trauma such as major bone fractures or traumatic brain injury, major bleeding.

If the victim stops breathing or circulation, immediate cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation is required.

Step 3: Soak and wash the burned area

Only do this when the victim is awake, has no difficulty breathing, and has no accompanying injuries.

Soak early: Soak the burned area in clean water as soon as possible, preferably within the first 30-60 minutes.

Soaking time: Soaking time is about 15-20 minutes to 30-45 minutes, or until the pain goes away.

Do not use ice or cold water to soak or apply to burns.

Step 4: Temporarily cover the burn wound

Cover the burn : After soaking, cover the burn with clean gauze, a clean cloth, a washcloth, or a clean drape.

Do not apply or cover any substances or chemicals (eg toothpaste, fish sauce.) on the burn at the scene.

Step 5: Warm and rehydrate electrolytes after burns

Electrolyte rehydration : Rehydrate electrolytes orally, you can drink oresol, clean water (boiled and cooled).

Warm up: Keep the victim warm, especially non-burned areas.

Pain relief: If possible, relieve the victim's pain with systemic pain relievers.

Step 6: Transport the victim to the nearest medical facility

Emergency transport: Quickly transport the victim to the nearest medical facility to receive specialized care and treatment.

Elevate the burned limb during transport, placing the victim in a safe position (half lying, half sitting if respiratory burns are suspected).