Fire-Induced Injuries

9/6/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating, but fire-induced injuries can be more so. Burns can be medically complicated, so it is essential to know what you are looking at and what steps you should take immediately in Morgantown.

Major Versus Minor Burns To apply the correct type of burn first aid, you first need to know what type of injury it is. The two most significant categories are major and minor burns. Minor burns appear red, can include blisters, are painful, and are smaller than 3 inches.

Major burns are more serious and have the following characteristics:

• Larger than 3 inches or 8 centimeters  Cover important areas like hands, feet, groin, face, or major joints  Go deep, affecting underlying tissue  Appear charred, with discolored spotting  Appear dry or leathery 

Major Protocol

• When addressing a major burn, the objective is to keep the person from further harm until emergency help arrives. You should call 911 right away. First, the person should be removed from the source of the burn or the fire damage. Burns tend to swell, so restrictive apparel should be removed. Be sure that the victim is breathing and keeps an eye out for shock symptoms, such as shallow breathing or fainting. If possible, injuries should be elevated. Cover the burned areas with a clean, moist bandage or cloth. Do not put large burns in water, as it could cause hypothermia.

Minor Protocol

• Minor burns do not require emergency help and can be treated with simple first aid. Remove rings or restrictive apparel before the burn swells. Cooldown the burn by running it under cool, not cold, water. You can apply lotion and wrap it loosely with a gauze bandage. Be sure not to break the blisters. You may also take over-the-counter pain relievers, if necessary.

Humans need to take priority, so what should you do about the fire damage? A fire remediation service can handle the full scope while you keep your attention on the health and recovery of those injured. Call 304-291-3434.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434