Know the types and the treatments

Objective To know the different types of burns and appropriate treatment procedures SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background Burns result from everyday things and activities Most common causes Scalds, fire, chemicals, electricity and overexposure to the sun Some burns may be more serious than others SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Severity of burns Severity is based on the depth of the burn First-degree burns: least severe Third-degree burns: most severe Call 911 or seek medical attention if unsure of the severity of the burn SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Severity of burns All burns are susceptible to tetanus (lockjaw) Treatment for burns depends on type, severity and size SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Minor burns First- and second-degree burns no larger than 3” in diameter Cool the burn Hold under cold running tap water until the area is free from pain even after removal from the water If not possible, cool with a cold compress SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Minor burns First- and second-degree burns no larger than 3” in diameter Cover burn with sterile non-stick cotton Other materials may stick/get lint in wound SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Minor burns First- and second-degree burns no larger than 3” in diameter Wrap bandage loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin Reduces pain, protects blistered skin, and helps prevent infection SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Minor burns First- and second-degree burns no larger than 3” in diameter Report the incident to your immediate supervisor A pain reliever can be taken This is under the direction of the victim and should not be provided by the employer SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Important “Don’t”s DON’T use ice Can cause further damage to wound DON’T apply butter or ointments Can increase severity of burn DON’T break blisters Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Major/severe burns Third-degree burns larger than 3” in diameter If unsure about the depth of the burn, treat it as severe Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Major/severe burns Third-degree burns larger than 3” in diameter Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed smoke or heat SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Major/severe burns Third-degree burns larger than 3” in diameter Do not immerse large severe burns in cold water Could cause drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deteriorate blood pressure and circulation, causing shock SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Major/severe burns Third-degree burns larger than 3” in diameter Check for responsiveness and signs of normal breathing If none, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Major/severe burns Third-degree burns larger than 3” in diameter Treat for shock Have victim lie on their back Elevate legs if no trauma Maintain normal body temperature (cover with a sheet or blanket) SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Electrical burns Victims of electrical burns should always seek medical care While waiting for medical care Look first, don’t touch May still be in contact with an electrical source Current can pass through to you if you touch them SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Electrical burns While waiting for medical care Unplug or turn off the source of electricity, if possible If not possible, do not touch the victim Call 911 Check for responsiveness and normal breathing If none, begin CPR immediately SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Electrical burns While waiting for medical care If responsive and breathing, treat for shock Lay the victim on their back and elevate the legs (if there is no trauma) Maintain normal body temperature (cover with a sheet or blanket) SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Electrical burns Cover the affected areas If victim is breathing, cover burned areas with a sterile, non-stick blanket or towel Loose fibers can stick to the burns SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Chemical burns Identify the chemical Check the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for this information Move the victim away from fumes or ventilate the area With gloved hand or piece of cloth, brush off any dry chemical SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Chemical burns Remove clothing and jewelry from the burn area Flush entire area as quickly as possible with large amounts of running water Flush until EMS personnel arrive to give definitive care or until a topic-specific solution is available SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Chemical burns Contact the Poison Control Center or 911 Many chemical burns may be treated with local wound care Some chemicals can cause life- and limb-threatening injuries and need emergency care SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Chemical burns Victims with chemical burns to their eyes should always seek emergency care Flush eye with large amount of running water (at least 15 minutes of continuous flowing water) until Emergency Medical Service arrives Remove any contact lenses SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

US National Poison Hotline Call You will be automatically linked to your closest poison control center SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Sunburns Take a cold shower or bath, or place cool cloths on your burn Avoid using creams that contain benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum (Vaseline) Use dry bandages to help prevent infection of blisters SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Sunburns If no blisters, use aloe vera to relieve discomfort Adults can use medications like ibuprofen to relive some of the pain from the burn This is under the direction of the victim and should not be provided by the employer SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review The severity of the burn is based on the depth of the burn If unsure about depth, treat as severe Treatment depends on type, severity and size Ice, butter and ointments can cause additional damage to burns

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Review Take care not to break any blisters Always call 911 for major/severe burns Don’t touch someone with an electrical burn until you’re sure the source is turned off Contact the poison control center or call 911 for chemical burns