Safety around heat sources
Preventing injuries.
Childproofing your home to prevent injuries from heat sources:
- teach children that the heat source is hot
- teach them to know red from blue and that red is hot and blue is cold.
Signs of an injury:
2nd degree- blisters begin to develop, very red, splotchy appearance, severe pain and swelling
3rd degree- permanent tissue damage, area may be charred black or appear dry and white
How to treat the injury:
* Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10-15 minutes
*Cover the burn with a sterilize bandage to protect it from further harm
*Take over the counter pain reliever which include: aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve or Tylenol
3rd degree- call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
* Do not remove burned clothing but make sure the victim is not in contact with the burning material or exposed to smoke or heat.
*DO NOT put a large severe burn in cold water. It can cause a drop in body temperature which can cause hypothermia
*Check for signs of circulation like breathing, coughing or movement. If no breathing begin CPR
*Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
*Cover the area of the burn with a clean cool bandage
* Most importantly: Get a tetanus shot.