Page 45 - Red Alert

RED ALERT - BURNING ISSUES
Continued...
Sunburn
The sun can be extremely strong,
particularly at certain times during the
day. Staying outdoors for too long in
these conditions can result in sunburn.
Patients suffering from sunburn should
be treated in the following manner:-
1. Remove the patient from the sun,
preferably indoors or, if this is not
possible, at least into the shade.
2. Sponge the affected skin with cold
water or soak in a cold bath.
3. Give the patient a glass of water to sip.
4. Apply calamine lotion or after-sun to
minor burns, as this may help to
soothe them.
5. If the patient is very sore or blistered,
they should be taken to see a doctor.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are caused by bleach,
acids, cleaning fluids and paint stripper.
They may cause redness and stinging
of the skin.
The should be treated as follows:-
1.Pour cold water on to the affected skin
to dilute and wash away the chemical.
2.Hold the burned skin under cold
running water. This should be
continued for up to 20 minutes.
3.Using gloves to protect your hands,
remove any clothing which the
chemical has spilt on.
4.Take the patient to hospital. Look out
for any signs of shock.
5.If the chemical has splashed into the
patient’s eye, hold the eye under gently
running water for 10 minutes and then
take the patient to hospital.
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Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are caused by electrical
currents.
Electrical burns should be treated as
follows:-
1.Switch off the electricity at the meter
and remove the plug. It is important
not to touch someone who has had
an electrical shock as it can pass from
them to you by touching.
2.If it is not possible to turn off the
electricity you should stand on a dry
block of wood or paper and move the
patient away from the source of the
shock by using a dry wooden pole.
IF THE PERSON HAS TOUCHED AN
OUTDOOR CURRENT, DO NOT TRY
THIS BUT DIAL 999 IMMEDIATELY
FOR HELP.