Burn Victim,How to Deal With HerHow you deal with a burn victim depends on the severity of the burn, and what has caused the burn itself. For first degree burns, like ones caused by sunburn and touching a hot surface, you will want to cool the burn so it doesn't get worse. This can be done by placing the burned area under cool water or if the area is large or in a place that is hard to get at, like a back or shoulder, submersing the victim in a cool bath can help relieve pain greatly. A light burn ointment can be applied, and one common home remedy that is often used is Aloe Vera. For second degree burns, you have to treat the burn victim differently. With a second degree burn, there could be the same signs as a first degree burn, but there can also be more severe tissue damage, and blistering. In this case, while you need to cool the burn area to prevent further damage, you never want to run water over the area, and you don't want to break any blisters. Place the effected area under cool water, or apply a cool compress, but never press on the burn area. In cases where the burn is larger that 2"x3", or if the burn is on or around the genital area, take the victim to an emergency room right away. Third degree burn victims will have extensive tissue damage, and you should try not to handle any area of the burn. Instead place a wet but not dripping sheet over the victim, try to help them feel comfortable, and call and ambulance right away. Unless you are qualified to treat this severity of burn, you should never attempt treatment on your own. There are many different kinds of burns, and each burn victim should be treated on an individual basis. In one area you really have to be extra careful, and this is with any kind of electrical burn. If the victim is still connected to the power, never try to touch them, because you will also become a victim. The first thing to do is try to cut the power at the control box, and if this can't be done, find a stick or some other non conductive item, and remove them from the connection. Even though it may injure them further, you need to get them away from the source. Once they have been moved to a safe location, assess the situation. Are they conscious? If not, are they still breathing? If they aren't breathing, you may have to start CPR, and if they are conscious, they may be in severe pain. You need to get them medical attention right away. In many cases you can treat minor burn victims yourself, if you follow the right procedures. There are many resources online that can help you treat many different minor burns, and there are even courses available like CPR, and First Aid that you should take in order to provide the right care and treatment. It is a good idea to educate yourself so you can determine the severity of the burn, and what kind of burn it is, so you can address the issue properly. Top Go from this Burn Victim's page to the Burns and Sunburn's page. Sunburn Magazine's Home
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