1) Minor burns:
first degree
(a) To reduce pain,
run cold water over the burn, then immerse the burned area in a container
of cold water or apply cold towels frequently.
(b) Cover with sterile gauze
or a clean bandage to prevent infection.
(c) If the burned area is
fairly large, have someone in the household contact the physician.
(d) Notify Home Care Supervisor.
2) Major burns: second degree
(a) Have someone
in the household contact the physician or police, fire, or emergency squad.
(b) Immerse the burned part
in cold water or apply recently laundered cloths that have been dipped
in cold water.
(c) Dry and cover with sterile
gauze or a clean cloth.
(d) If an arm or leg has
been burned, raise it so that it is higher than the victim's heart.
(e) Do not break blisters.
Do not use cotton or any material with a loose fiber as a dressing. Do
not apply any type of ointment or medication.
(f) Notify Home Care Supervisor.
3) Major burns: third degree
(a) Have someone
in the household contact the police, fire, or emergency squad.
(b) Remove or cut away clothing
from the burned area. If clothing sticks to the burn, do not pull it loose.
Cut around the burned area.
(c) Watch for respiration
problems. Use rescue breathing, if necessary.
(d) Apply a cold cloth to
the face, hands, or feet, but do not immerse the burned area or apply cold
packs to a large burned area because these actions may cause greater shock.
(e) Do not apply any medications.
(f) Follow any instructions
given by the emergency team.
(g) Notify Home Care Supervisor.
4) Chemical burns
(a) Have someone
in the household contact the police, fire, or emergency squad.
(b) Wash away the chemical
with large quantities of water. Use a shower or hose while removing the
victim's clothing. Wash away chemical completely. Do not use a neutralizing
agent (such as soap); water is more effective. Then remove clothing, taking
care not to tear the skin, which may adhere to the cloth.
(c) Cover the burned area
with the cleanest available material.
(d) Notify Home Care Supervisor.
5) Eye burns
(a) If the victim
is wearing contact lenses, have him or her remove them at once.
(b) Hold the eyelids open
and flood the eye with water for 15 minutes.
(c) After flooding the eye
with water, ask someone in the household to contact the police, fire, or
emergency squad.
