FULL-THICKNESS BURNS
A full thickness burn is a burn that all the layers of the skin are affected damaging the nerves, fat tissues, muscles and the blood vessels.
TREATMENT FOR A FULL-THICKNESS BURN
Introduction
A fire outbreak in a chemical industry is very intense because most chemicals are acidic ,flammable and produce poisonous fumes consequently the casualties in the industries may suffer chemical burns ,the fire itself ,electrical burns and steam from various fumes therefore in such cases serious medical attention will be needed immediately after first aid since this burn involve the face and the fact that it is a full thickness burn.
Steps
1. Assess the area and make sure you as the first aider you are safe and also where the casualties are is safely accessible. Ventilate the area to disperse fumes and wear protective clothing like gloves or alternatives.
2. Move the casualty if necessary and assess the burn on the face.
For chemical burn treatment:
i) Flood the face with cold running water non-stop for about 20 minutes to disperse the chemical ensuring the airways are clear.
ii) Gently remove any form of jewellery or clothing such as facial masks on the face and neck area since they may trap chemical against the skin leading to intensity of the burn.
iii) Prepare a cool wet compress from wet paper towels or pieces of cloth; apply to the chemical burn to relieve pain.
iv) Apply a sterile dressing or a dry clean cloth and if the eyes are not injured close them before dressing.
v) Take the casualty to the hospital.
For electrical burn treatment:
This is a burn that occurs when electricity passes through the body causing damage along the point of contact (face) or at the point of entry and exit of the current.
i) Make sure that contact to the electrical source is broken before you have contact with the casualty.
ii) Then apply step (ii) to (v) of the chemical burn treatment.
For fire burn treatment:
i) Help the casualty to sit or lie down and if possible try to prevent the face coming into contact with the ground.
ii) Start cooling the injury with cold running water for at least 10 minutes until the pain is relieved. Watch for signs of breathing difficulties. Do not over cool because you lower the body temperature of the casualty.
iii) Do not touch or otherwise interfere with the burn. Gently remove any jewellery and clothing.
iv) Cover the injured area with the kitchen film to protect it from infection .make sure you don’t cover the airway.
v) Reassure the casualty and treat them for shock and the call for help.
