Were feeling for everyone whos suffering as a result of the current bush fires - whether they have two legs or four! Our Chief Medical Officer, Jui Tham, has four simple first aid tips for burns. 1. Carefully and safely remove the individual (or the part of the individual) from the source of the burn (so, if the scald is due to hot water, gently remove the clothing). 2. Cool the burn – use only cool, running water (from a running tap/shower/garden hose/etc.) or soak the burn in a cool water bath. Never use ice (or ice water or water from the fridge) on a burn. Keep immersed in water for at least five minutes, ideally up to 20 minutes. 3. Seek medical care/advice - particularly if the burn is more than minor (e.g. it it’s a large area or deep burn) or if it involves the face, scalp, genitals, hands, feet or joints. Action these steps as soon as possible. 4. For minor burns, protect the burn with a non-stick gauze; apply it lightly over it but take care not to break blisters and don’t use any self-prescribed cream, lotion, powder, toothpaste, butter, etc. on the burn - only apply substances after seeking advice from a health professional). Change the dressing daily after gently washing the burn with water and take some simple analgesics for pain relief (e.g. paracetamol). Seek medical care/advice if the pain persists. Keep safe everyone - were thinking of you!
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:22:43 +0000
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