Ожоговые травмы: в чем заключается первая помощь пострадавшему, какие ошибки часто допускаются

Burn injuries: what is the first aid to the victim, what mistakes are often made

окт 31, 2023

Thermal burns are among the most common and dangerous types of injuries. They entail serious consequences and even cause death. Damage occurs as a result of exposure to high temperatures on the tissues of the body, which leads to a violation of their functions.

The cause of thermal lesions of the skin becomes flames, burning objects, hot surfaces, steam, boiling liquids and many other factors. Their severity depends on the depth and area of the lesion. First aid in this type of injury should be provided quickly and correctly to prevent the aggravation of tissue damage.

Incorrect methods

Assistance provided immediately after receiving thermal burn, is of great importance. Correct actions minimize the consequences of injury and save the life of the victim. After all, thermal damage often causes shock. Infection quickly gets into the tissues in the damaged areas, other complications arise that can become fatal.

Often, others immediately begin to provide first aid to the victim, but for this they use the wrong methods. Here are the most common mistakes:

Applying ice. Never apply ice to the burn surface, as this causes additional tissue damage.
The use of oils or ointments. Such means retain heat and do not allow the burn to cool down, and also increase the risk of infection.
Puncturing of bubbles. Do not damage them, as this may lead to infection. The area where the bubbles appeared should be covered with a sterile bandage.

Such incorrect methods of first aid cause harm to the victim, increasing the depth and area of the lesion, and they also make it difficult to restore tissues.

Rational tactics

Proper first aid for thermal burns plays a crucial role in saving lives and preventing complications. Its principles are as follows:

Safety. Before providing assistance, make sure that the situation is safe for you and the victim. Isolate and eliminate the source of fire or heat to prevent repeated burns.
Condition assessment. Assess the severity of the damage before you start providing first aid. Determine the area and depth of the lesion to understand its required volume.
Cooling. Use cool, but not cold, water to cool the burn surface for 10-20 minutes. This helps prevent the spread of the burn and reduces pain.
Isolation. Cover the damaged area with a bandage to prevent infection. Do not use wipes that may stick to the wound.
Continued cooling. The victim feels relieved when cooling down, so continue to use cold water for this.

Now there are modern tools designed to provide emergency care for thermal burns. These include PANTESUN aerosol foam containing chitosan and dexpanthenol. It reduces pain, relieves irritation and redness in the area of damage, and also disinfects. This remedy also promotes accelerated healing of the skin.