Project Based Learning @ KV Kanjikode: FIRE INJURIES-FIRST AID AND TREATMENTS

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

Image result for images of burnt hand shown under running water

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.

Image result for images of lying in supine position

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.

Image result for images of how to use a fire extinguisher step by step

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.

Person demonstrating step 1 of the recovery position

· 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.

Project Based Learning @ KV Kanjikode

FIRE INJURIES-FIRST AID AND TREATMENTS

Author : Rugmini Menon

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Project Based Learning @ KV Kanjikode

FIRE INJURIES-FIRST AID AND TREATMENTS

Author : Rugmini Menon

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