Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Burns Signs and Symptoms Dry/leathery, white or blackened, charred skin. First Aid • Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABCs. • Expose burn. • Cut and gently lift away any clothing covering the burned area. • If clothing is stuck to the burn, do not remove. • Remove jewelry if possible (burns cause swelling.) • Separate fingers or toes with dry, sterile, nonadhesive dressings. • Lightly cover the burn area with a dry sterile bandage or a clean sheet if the burned area is large. • If it’s available and you are properly trained, give emergency oxygen. • If the victim is in contact with a liquid chemical, immediately flush the chemical off with large amounts of water (15–20 minutes.) This training guide is provided online for individual use only. Reprinting for classroom distribution is prohibited. Third-degree burn. Thermal burns are caused by the sun, fire, hot liquids or objects, and hot gases. Electrical burns are caused by contact with electrical wires, current, or lightning. Chemical burns are caused by contact with wet or dry chemicals. Burns on the face, hands, feet, and genitals can be particularly serious. Burns inflict tremendous damage to the body. They can cause extreme pain, scarring, massive infection, organ failure, and death. A rescuers highest priority is personal safety. If a victim is on fire, tell her to STOP, DROP and ROLL. If a victim is in contact with electricity, shut off the power. Minor Burns Consider any fallen or broken wire extremely dangerous. Do not touch (or allow your clothing to touch) a wire, victim, or vehicle that is possibly energized. Do not approach within 8 feet of it. Notify the local utility and have trained personnel sent to scene. NEVER attempt to handle wires yourself unless you are properly trained and equipped. Once the power is off, Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABCs. Victim may need CPR and defibrillation. Burns may be present at the points where the current entered and exited the body. All victims of electric shock require medical assessment because the extent of injury may not be apparent. First/Second-degree burn. Most minor burns involve but do not destroy skin tissue. Rapid first aid treatment can provide immediate comfort and prevent long term complications. Signs and Symptoms Major Burns Burns considered as serious include those involving the hands, face, eyes, ears, feet, or genitals. They also include electrical burns and burns involving smoke inhalation, fractures, or other injuries. • Pain. • Redness. • Swelling. • Blisters. 16 Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace Bleeding, Shock, and Soft Tissue Injuries

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace Contents Basic First Aid Emergency Action Steps Severe Bleeding and Shock Major Wounds Minor Wounds Burns Bites and Stings Dental Injuries Eye and Nose Injuries Injuries to Limbs Injuries to the Spine Head Injury Sudden Illness Specific Conditions Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Endnotes About This Program

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