$Unique_ID{BRK01356}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Best Way to Treat a Burn Victim}
$Subject{burn victim cold treatment first aid accidents accident burned cool
water ice chemical burns tar scalds matches flammable liquids skin victims
treatments scald scalded scalding}
$Volume{O-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Best Way to Treat a Burn Victim


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QUESTION:  It seems to make sense to me but then you can never tell.  My
husband assures me that putting something cold on a burn is the best way to
treat a burn victim.  Will you please give this your O.K.?

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ANSWER:  Yes, cold can be helpful, but you must be careful with burns.  If you
are near the burned person, first make sure that the source of the heat is
extinguished.  Remove any clothing involved in the burn immediately and apply
cool (but not cold) water to relieve the person's initial pain.  Some have
suggested using ice water for soaking the burned portion of the body but this
has become controversial.
     You can safely cover the burn with a clean, moist cloth while the patient
is taken to a doctor, emergency room or wherever he or she is to be
transported.
     If the burn is from a chemical, quickly pour large amounts of water over
it.  Tar burns must be cooled but do NOT attempt to remove the tar that sticks
to the skin.  That would be done only by professionals or severe injury may
occur.
     Most of the approximately two-million burn injuries in the United States
each year are minor, usually occurring at home as results of scalds, misusing
matches or flammable liquids.  Most of them can be treated either at home or
in a doctor's office.  They usually heal in less than three weeks and leave
minor scars.
     In more serious cases, physicians will give tetanus shots and some form
of pain reliever to start, then continue cleaning and inspecting the burn.  It
is extremely important to maintain some degree of motion in the burned portion
of the body to prevent loss of mobility.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.