FIRST- AID
AND TREATMENTS FOR VICTIMS OF FIRE ACCIDENTS
FIRST AID FOR BURN
INJURIES
1. Protect
your own safety at all times
2.
For all burns apply cold running water for at least 20 minutes
3.
If the running tap is not available, wet 2 clothes and alternate them into the
burn every 2 minutes
4. Remove cloth and jewellery as they can hold
heat on the burn and jewellery can stop blood flow to burns
RESCUING
THE VICTIM FROM THE BURNING PREMISES
The rescue of the victim
should always take precedence over putting out the fire. The victim should be
removed from the heat source and moved to a safe place. STOP and DROP “policy”
should be followed. Prevent the victim from running, which would only fan the
flames and make them burn faster. The victim should be instructed to lie down
on the floor with the burning side uppermost. As the flames always burn
upwards, lying flat not only prevents the flames from involving the face, head
and scalp hairs, but also prevents the fire from going around the body.
If
the victim is unable to walk or
is unconscious, as is often seen after smoke inhalation when victims are entrapped
in a closed space, make him/her lie supine on floor with both upper limbs
placed extended by the side, above the head and then drag the victim out of the
room holding his/her legs.
If there is lot of smoke along with the
fire, the rescuer should
tie a rope around his waist so that another bystander can pull him to safety,
if needed. Stay low/ crawl on the floor to minimise the inhalation of the toxic
fumes. The visibility is comparatively better at the floor level as the smoke, gases
and hot air tend to rise. Moreover, breathing should be done through the wet
handkerchief to filter out the fumes, carbon and other toxic particles.
ELECTRICAL
FIRE AND THEIR VICTIMS
Use an extinguisher made for electrical fires. Call
emergency services. Shut off the current.
If
the victim has been hit by lightening or electric fire follow these steps
Use an extinguisher made for electrical fires. Call
emergency services. Shut off the current.
·
Place
the victim in the recovery position
·
Place
the arm nearest to you at a right angle with her body.
·
Place
the other hand under the side of her head. The back of the hand should touch
the cheek.
·
Bend
the farthest knee at a right angle.
·
Roll
the victim on the side. The top arm will support the head.
·
Lift
the chin of the victim and check the airway.
·
Stay
with the victim and monitor her breathing. Once in recovery position, don’t
move the victim, as this can cause further injury.
·
Cover
the victim in a blanket and wait. The victim will quickly cool down. You should
try to wrap her in a thermal blanket to keep the body temperature regulated. Wait
for the emergency services with the victim.
·
Don’t
cover the body if there are large wounds or untreated burns.
·
Be
gentle when you place the blanket over them.