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You can deal with the heat. Know your basic first-aid burns treatment

By Mark Etinger

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 30Jun2009
Word count: 481
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Summer is just around the corner and the sun is getting stronger. Whether we like it or not, during those hot summer months we have to deal with many types of skin burns. Some of us will only encounter sun burns and other minor irritations. But summer also brings excessive heat and wild fires, so we have to be ready. There are three types or degrees of burns:

- First-degree burns are the least serious. Only the external layer of the skin is burned and becomes red and painful. First-degree burns usually take two or three days to heal and peel off.

- Second-degree burns are more painful. You will be able to notice blisters and swelling due to damage to the second skin layer.

- Third-degree burns are severe burns that damage all the skin layers. They are mostly painless because they destroy the nerves and cause permanent tissue damage. Skin my look charred or extremely white. Minor burns, which usually include first and second degree burns can be treated at home, if they involve only a small part of the body, not larger than a couple of inches.

- Remove all kinds of jewelry surrounding the wound. - Soak the burn area in cool water for a couple of minutes. Don't use ice. Cold water will help remove the heat and ease the pain.

- Though it is common to use butter as first-aid remedy, it is not recommended to do so as it could cause permanent damage to the skin.

- After cleaning the area, you should apply antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a bandage.

- Taking an over the counter pain reliever can also help to ease the pain. First and second degree burns can happen around the house or outside. They usually heal in a few days but you should always watch for infection, swelling or fever. Remember to get medical help if any side effects occur or if the burn is in a sensitive area such as hands, feet, gentiles, or joints. Third degree burns should be treated as an emergency. If it's possible - go to a near hospital to get medical assistance or call 911 and ask for immediate help. Do not try to remove clothing that is stuck to the wound, do not apply any ointments and avoid using water as it may cause shock. Try and cover the area with water-soaked cloth or moist bandages and make sure that they are sterile. Remember that electrical burns and chemical burns should be treated immediately by medical staff. Go to the hospital right away as those types of injuries might cause serious internal damage. Being prepared to an emergency is very important and can save lives when that time comes. Be ready at home or at work with a burn kit that offers different combinations of dressings, wrap/blankets and burn gels.

Dixie EMS carries a full line of quality Emergency Medical Service products for ambulance, industry, and facility care. For over 30 years, police officers, fire, rescue and EMS professionals have turned to Dixie EMS for their medical supplies.

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