Page 44 - Red Alert
P. 44
RED ALERT - BURNING ISSUES
Burns and scalds
The number of deaths a Types of Burn
year caused by burns
and scalds in the UK There are a number of different types of burns which need to be treated in different ways.
has declined
throughout this century.
Nevertheless, United Scalds Dry Burns
Kingdom Fire Statistics Scalds are caused by hot water, hot oil Dry Burns are caused by flames,
1999 still estimate the and steam. cigarettes, hot irons and
number of deaths in One of the major causes of scalds is bath hair straighteners.
fires to be approximately 700 a year, about water. The preferred bath temperature for
one quarter of which are as a result of many adults is 40.5°C, a few people bathe
burns. at temperatures up to 42.5°C, but any
Doctors and nurses describe burns water over 43°C should be regarded as
in different ways depending how potentially dangerous. The ‘Golden Rule’
bad they are: to prevent such scalds is that cold water Dry Burns and Scalds should be
should be placed in the bath first, then treated in the following way:-
First Degree Burns are the kind of burns hot water added. 1. Cool the skin immediately by placing it
that you will probably have come across. under cold running water for at least
The burnt skin goes red and needs to be Reaching for and pulling containers of hot 10 minutes, as burned skin will
cooled with water. fluids is another common cause of
scalding to young children. continue to burn for a short while after
Second Degree Burns are when the the accident.
skin becomes red and blistered. These are Scalds from kettles are common amongst 2. The burn should then be covered with
more serious than first degree burns and, as children, particularly from the jug kettle cling film to prevent germs getting to it.
soon as they have been cooled with water, which is taller and thinner 3. Ointment or fat should not be put onto
they should be seen by a doctor or nurse. than the conventional
hob kettle and the burn.
Third Degree Burns are the most typically less stable. 4. The patient should be treated for shock
serious ones. Again these should be cooled if they look sick, weak or faint.
with water and seen by a doctor. Do not 5. If the burn continues to be painful
remove any clothing from the burnt area of telephone the doctor.
the body.
42
