In the event of a burn accident, it is essential to remove the victim from the dangerous area, cool the burn site, and prepare for the next steps in first aid.
Among the various types of burns, thermal burns are the most common. Thermal burns occur from contact with hot materials such as boiling water, steam, hot oil, or fire.
Proper first aid for thermal burns helps reduce the area and depth of the burn, minimizes complications, and enhances treatment effectiveness.
Among the various types of burns, thermal burns are the most common. (Illustrative image).
Below are 6 steps for proper first aid and emergency response for thermal burns, as recommended by the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 1: Eliminate contact with the burn-causing agent
Ensure safety: Move the victim to a safe, open area to prepare for emergency care.
Remove the cause: Quickly eliminate the burning agent from the victim, for example, moving them away from the fire or extinguishing flames on their clothing.
Remove clothing, jewelry, and other burn-causing materials from the victim. Note: Certain types of fabric that stick tightly to the skin when burned should not be torn off.
Step 2: Initial assessment and ensure vital functions
Check consciousness: Determine the victim’s level of consciousness (alert or unresponsive).
Airway and breathing: Check the airway and breathing status (whether breathing has stopped or if there is difficulty breathing).
Circulation: Check peripheral pulse and see if there are signs of cardiac arrest.
Associated injuries: Identify any associated injuries, such as significant fractures or head trauma, and any major bleeding.
If the victim is unresponsive or not breathing, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is necessary.
Step 3: Immerse and wash the burned area
Only perform this step if the victim is conscious, not having difficulty breathing, and has no accompanying injuries.
Early immersion: Immerse the burned area in clean water as soon as possible, ideally within the first 30-60 minutes.
Duration of immersion: Immerse for about 15-20 minutes up to 30-45 minutes, or until the pain subsides.
Do not use ice or cold water to immerse or apply directly on the burn.
Step 4: Temporarily cover the burn
Cover the burn: After washing, cover the burn with clean gauze, a clean cloth, a towel, or a clean mesh fabric.
Avoid applying any substances or chemicals (such as toothpaste, fish sauce, etc.) to the burn at the scene.
Step 5: Warm and rehydrate after the burn
Rehydration: Rehydrate the victim orally, using oral rehydration solutions or clean water (boiled and cooled).
Keep warm: Keep the victim warm, especially areas not affected by the burn.
Pain relief: If possible, provide systemic pain relief medication to the victim.
Step 6: Transport the victim to the nearest medical facility
Emergency transport: Quickly transport the victim to the nearest medical facility for specialized care and treatment.
Elevate the burned limb during transport and place the victim in a safe position (half lying down, half sitting if there is suspicion of respiratory burns).
