Keep Safe From Burns!
- Stay 3 feet away from a hot stove or oven.
- Use potholders when helping your parents cook.
- Remind your parents to turn the handles of pots to the inside, so they won’t be bumped off the stove.
- Don’t touch mugs or bowls of hot soups or drinks. They can spill and burn.
- Never touch space heaters.
- Don’t touch the glass fireplace screens.
It’s important to be able to recognize the 3 different stages of burns – you may need to help treat yourself or family members in the case of burns.
How to Identify and Treat the 3 Types of Burns:
#1 What does a first degree burn look like? – The skin is red, similar to a sunburn. The burn will be dry and without blisters. There may be some swelling and the person will experience tenderness and some pain.
How to treat – Run under cool water for 5 minutes. If necessary, you may apply a burn ointment after cooling the burn.
Causes – Scalding water, sunburn, or flash flames.
#2 What does a second degree burn look like? – Bright red or pink skin that has moist blisters. More pain.
How to treat – Don’t put on gels or ointments. Apply a sterile dressing. If the burn is larger than the size of your whole hand, or the victim is under 2 years old, call a doctor. Seek emergency care if the burn is on the hands, face, feet or genitalia or if the burn covers over 15% of an adult’s body or 10% of a child’s’ body. Do not pop the blisters!
Causes – Chemicals, flash flames, extremely hot liquids or solids.
#3 What does a third degree burn look like? – Third degree burns can look different. They can appear white or bright red on the outer edge to charred black, dry, and dark red colored. There is less pain at first but it will become painful. The area around the burn will be painful right away.
Treatment – Call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately! Apply a sterile dressing and a cold wet washcloth until emergency help arrives.
Causes – Flames, chemicals, electrical, or hot solids or liquids.