First aid tips for burns

An estimated 650,000 people or a little more suffer burns in Bangladesh every year with over 6,000 of the cases leading to deaths at the scene of the accident.

Lack of awareness, improper handling of electrical equipment and shoddy wiring systems have been blamed for pushing up the number of burn patients over the years.

Arson during strikes and blockades also added to the tally.

Prof Md Abul Kalam, head of the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, tells bdnews24.com what to do immediately after burns and scalds.

Step—1: Pour water on the burnt area immediately after the burn or scald. If you have running water at home, stick the burned part to the running water.

This will reduce the 'intensity and extent'.

Cooling off will reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring. The faster and longer you can cool if off, the impact will be lesser.

But using very cold water can damage the skin around the burn.

Step—2: Cover the area with a clean cloth or plastic bag.

This is to prevent infection.

Step—3: Go to a nearby hospital. But if the hospital takes time, start an intra-venous saline on the way for fluid resuscitation.

The first 24 hour after burn is considered ‘crucial', says Prof Kalam and adds, “so an injured should see a doctor as soon as possible”.