First Aid For Burns

   Twenty percent of all burns treated in hospitals result from kitchen injuries. Most of these burns occurred when hot oil ignited and the patient tried to move the cooking pan. Taking quick action is important when you're assisting a burn victim. Follow these five guidelines...

1. Try to stop the burning process. Pull the victim away from the fire. If clothes are burning, drop, roll or wrap him/her in a blanket.
2. Remove any smoldering clothing, or clothing that's been contaminated by a burning chemical. Don't try to remove clothing that's stuck to the skin...cut it away or leave it alone. Also, remove all jewelry. Metal retains heat and is difficult to remove if body parts swell.
3. If it's an electrical burn, turn the power off before you offer assistance. Use a blanket or protective clothing before touching the person to avoid becoming a victim yourself.
4. Hold the burn area under running water for 5-10 minutes. The skin will continue burning if it is not cooled for that length of time. Also, never put butter, petroleum jelly or any ointment on the burn. These "remedies" will make the injury worse.
5. Try to keep the victim calm until emergency help arrives.

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