|

Heat Injuries

First-Degree Burns

The skin is red, similar to a sunburn. The child experiences severe pain.

Second-Degree Burns

The burned skin is red and forms blisters filled with fluid. The child experiences severe pain.

Third-Degree Burns

The skin turns snow-white or bluish-black. The child no longer feels pain because the skin nerves have been destroyed.

Scalds

Injuries caused by hot steam or hot liquids are called scalds.

Actions:

  • Stay calm and speak gently to the child.
  • For large-area injuries, place the child under a shower or in a bathtub.
  • Cool the scalded area with cool water (around 20°C) under running water for about 20 minutes.
  • If possible, cover the child with the golden side of the rescue blanket.
  • Never let the blanket touch the skin directly, as this causes intense pain. If you don’t have one, cover the child with a burn dressing or clean cloths.
  • Do not give the child anything to eat or drink.
  • Call emergency services (112) or go to the nearest clinic.
  • For large scalds, always call emergency services (112).
  • Important! Bring the vaccination card if readily available.

Important: The order is important in this case as “afterburns” can occur with heat injuries.

DO NOT do:

  • Do not apply burn ointments or bandages as they restrict oxygen to the skin and trap heat, which can worsen the injury.
  • Do not apply flour or powder to the wound. These stick to the wound and are difficult to remove.
  • Do not apply healing plant oil, toothpaste, or tiger balm as they stick to the wound and cause additional burns.
  • Ice or ice water may feel good initially, but they increase blood circulation, worsening pain. Strong cooling can cause cold damage to the skin.
  • Attention! Children cool down very quickly!

Burns

Injuries caused by open flames, as well as firecrackers, are called burns.

Actions:

  • Extinguish the fire source.
  • Put out burning clothing with a blanket or a clothing item that is difficult to burn. Water can also be an alternative.
  • Stay calm and reassure the child.
  • If the burn is localized to a specific body part (hand, arm, foot), it is enough to cool only that part under running water.
  • If the burn affects a larger body area, remove the child’s clothes. Do not force off burnt clothing!
  • Place the child in the shower or bathtub and cool the area with about 20°C water for around 20 minutes.
  • Cover the child with the golden side of the rescue blanket. Never let the blanket touch the skin directly, as this causes intense pain.
  • If you don’t have one, cover the child with a burn dressing or clean cloths.
  • Call emergency services (112) or go to the nearest clinic.
  • For large burns, always call emergency services (112).

Similar Posts