The skin is one big organ, the largest organ, in fact, of the body. It protects us against infection and the searing rays of the sun. Without our skin, we would be pretty ugly. It helps by acting as the body\’s water regulator, keeping us cool and hydrated. Some of the things that can hurt our skin, for which we receive first aid training, are cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Blood borne pathogens training warn us against sticks and diseases that can affect the skin however, the worst enemy of our skin, involve none of these afflictions.

The Three Degrees

The skin\’s kryptonite is… burns. Whether it is from too much sun, radiation, fire, hot liquids, or scalding hot objects, the skin\’s vital functions are threatened when burned. Burns can be even more serious for the very young or old and those with certain medical conditions. Based on the depth of their penetration, there are three classifications involving burns to our skin.

– First-degree burns affect the toughest layer of our skin. The outer layer turns bright red and becomes very painful and extremely sensitive to the touch, it might turn dry, but it does not blister.

– Second-degree burns are much worst as the affect a deeper layer. Blisters, swollen, puffy areas are burned and are even more painful than first-degree burns, which are quite painful in and of them selves.

– Third-degree burns of the skin are extremely dangerous as they burn to maximum depth, affecting muscle, internal organs, and even bone. Seared, charred skin will blacken in color and will be cracked and brittle. It may break open, exposing underlying muscle and burned-damaged tendons. The pain is excruciating unless the nerve endings themselves have been burned, in which case, you will feel no pain at all with the exception of the charred edges around the burn site.

– Partial thickness burns are another description for first and second-degree burns.

– Full thickness burns describes third-degree burns because of the severity of the injury.

Cooler Heads Prevail

As a giver of first aid, if you come across someone who is on fire, there are several extremely important things to remember, not the least of which is…

– Do Not Panic. You will be no help to anyone if you lose your cool at this point. Even if the person is engulfed in flames, it may not be too late if they have not inhaled.

– Do not let this person run, as this will only fan the flames and make it worse. If the are already running, trip or knock them down and help them to roll, preferably with a blanket or whatever you can find to smother the flames.

– Extinguish the fire completely. Then stop the skin and clothing from smoldering with a good dousing of water, if it is available.

– Never try to remove clothing from a burned area, as you will likely take the skin, muscle, and everything right down to the bone, with it.

– Cover the burns with a cool, damp, completely sterile cloth, preferably a linen sheet, or other fibrous material. Lay it over the burn gently and do not press it into or onto the wounds.

Stay There And Stay Calm

Stay with the burn victim and try to calm them. Speak to them gently and ask them questions about whom they are and where they are. Tell them your name and remain clam despite their frame of mind. It is more comforting to know that the person with them is not in a panic or shocked by what they see.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Painful Injury ,infection ,first aid,skin\\\’s kryptonite,, radiation