Workplace Burns: First Aid Steps

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

First Aid Steps

If your employees face minor burns at your Fallbrook, CA business, you’ll need to follow proper burn first aid steps to help preserve the victim’s health and well-being. There are four steps to help soothe, treat and protect minor burns after a commercial fire causes fire damage and injuries.

1. Remove Tight Items

A burn victim should carefully remove watches, rings and other jewelry. That way, he or she is not at risk of further injury if the burn swells and makes such items stick.

2. Soothe the Burn

It is important to cool and soothe the burn as soon as possible. Run the damaged skin under cool water or use a wet compress, making sure that the temperature is not extremely cold. Once the burning pain is under control, apply a soothing moisturizer such as aloe vera to provide further first aid relief.

3. Clean and Bandage

If a blister is found and it has broken, clean the affected area and apply an antibiotic as soon as possible. Next, cover the burn with sterile gauze to keep it protected from the elements and moisture.

4. Alleviate Continuing Pain

Fire damage can disrupt normal thinking, but you need to care for burn victims before handling any building-related issues. If a victim is still suffering after following the three steps above, find an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen to aid in easing the pain.

Know When To Get Help

In the aftermath of a commercial fire, it can be hard to remember where to turn for professional assistance. Seek emergency aid by calling 911 if a burn victim seems to have an issue that first aid alone cannot fix. For matters related to your property, SERVPRO of Fallbrook/South Oceanside is ready to assist you. In either case, use your best judgment to decide whether or not a situation can be handled by you alone.