there are seven common causes of burns

• Flame burns, caused by direct contact the with fire.
• Radiation burns, caused by close exposure to fire or high heat.
• Scalds, caused by hot liquids or steam.
• Contact burns, the result of touching hot objects.
• Chemical burns, caused by contact with corrosive chemicals, such as battery acid.
• Electrical burns, caused by contact with live electrical wires.
• Ultraviolet burns, caused by over exposure to the sun or to sun lamps.

a matter of degrees

Burns are classified by the amount of damage done to the skin and other body tissue. Every family member should be able to identify the severity of burns and know how to treat them.

First-degree burns are minor and heal quickly. Symptoms: reddened skin; tender and sore.

Second-degree burns are serious injuries and require immediate first aid and professional medical treatment. Symptoms: blistered skin; very painful.

Third-degree burns are severe injuries and require immediate professional medical treatment. Symptoms: white, brown, or charred tissue, often surrounded by blistered areas; little or no pain at first.

follow these steps to reduce injury from burning clothes

Stop:  Don't run

Drop: Drop immediately to the floor

Roll:  Cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to smother the flames

first aid for burns
    

Cool the burn: For first- and second-degree burns, cool the burned area - preferably with cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes. This lowers the skin temperature, which stops the burning process, numbs the pain, and prevents or reduces swelling. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention.

Remove burned clothing: Lay the victim flat on his or her back. Burned clothing may be stuck to the victim's skin. Unless material is on fire or smoldering, do not attempt to remove it. Remove jewelry or tight-fitting clothing from around burned areas before swelling begins and, if possible, elevate the injured areas.

Cover the burn: After a first- or second-degree burn has been cooled, apply a clean, dry dressing to the burned area.

Don't apply butter or any other grease (including medicated ointments) on a burn. Grease holds in heat, which could make the injury worse. It will also embed germs and debris into the wound. If this happens, the burn must be scrubbed clean.

Don't break blisters: This could allow germs to enter the wound.

Treat for shock: To reduce the risk of shock, keep the victim's body temperature normal. Cover unburned areas with a dry blanket.

CALL 911

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