Burns are injuries resulting from exposure to extreme heat, cold, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burn accidents are very common and most of them consist of small injuries that do not cause major complications.
However, some burns can be disabling or fatal, and require correct treatment as soon as possible.
Some burns, in certain places of the human body, can not only affect the normal functioning of the body, but may also be fatal. Helping these victims mainly boils down to cooling the burns and preventing infection. Burns are divided into three levels of severity.
First degree burn (less serious):
Second degree burns (moderate severity):
Third degree burn (most serious):
- The skin is brown, black or white
- Tissue destruction
- painless
How to behave?
- Assess the situation and ensure your safety conditions;
- moving the agent causing the burn or alternatively the victim away from the agent;
- Wash the burn area and cool it well with lukewarm water (if there is no chemical reacting with the presence of water) until the pain is significantly relieved.
- Cover the burned areas with compresses moistened with saline or water;
- Control your body temperature. Hypothermia may occur after cooling.
- Do not remove clothing if it is stuck to the victim's body;
- Do not use ice, toothpaste, butter, olive oil, or any other type of product to cool or moisturize the burn because they may aggravate the injuries;
- If the burn is mild, seek medical advice.
In case of emergency call 112.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
