How To Treat Burns

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Sunland Villages, AZ

When a building burns, fire damage to the structure is only one concern you need to address. The fire safety plan for your commercial building in Sunland Villages, AZ, is likely designed to evacuate occupants before anyone gets hurt. It is possible that someone could sustain a burn, though. Knowing the difference between a major and minor burn, and what to do in each situation, is essential for providing burn first aid.

Minor Burns

A superficial burn doesn't require a trip to the emergency room. There are a few signs to tell if a burn is minor:

• Similar appearance to sunburn
• Moderate pain
• Small or nonexistent blisters
• Diameter of three inches or less

To take care of a minor burn, you need to cool it off with a cool compress, apply lotion and gently bandage it with sterile gauze. Over-the-counter medication should be sufficient to handle the pain.

Major Burns

Just as you need a professional fire remediation company to take care of fire damage, you need professional medical personnel to handle a major burn. Look for the following symptoms:

• Deep wound
  
• Dry, leathery patches on skin
  
• Charred patches showing brown, black or white spots
  
• Diameter of more than three inches
• Location in a sensitive area, such as the face, groin, major joint, feet, hands or buttocks

If you see these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Before emergency help arrives, you can perform basic first aid to keep the victim more comfortable and prevent further injury. Obviously, you need to make sure he or she is moved to a safe place and remove any clothing or accessories that are touching the burned area. Cover and elevate the burn above heart level. Keep a close eye on the person's breathing patterns and make sure he or she stays conscious.

Addressing fire damage to your building should be secondary to the safety of its occupants. If anyone gets burned, knowing some burn first aid can help you ensure that he or she gets the care needed.