BURNS

By Albin F. Drzewianowski

((I am not a doctor, I don’t play one on TV. However, in the summer of 2007 I took a first aid course and this information is pulled from the class and the book that came with the class. afd))

Due to the nature of blacksmithing, burns are something that you need to be prepared to deal with. Here is some information about burns taken from a recent National Safety Council first aid publication.

If at any time you are not sure about the burn or what to do, seek immediate medical care.

Burns are broken down into 3 categories:
First Degree Burns:

• There is only damage to the skin’s outer layer, like a sunburn. These burns are usually minor and heal themselves
• The skin is red and painful. There may be some swelling. The skin is not broken.
• What to do: Remove the heat source. Cool the burned area with cold water. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry from the area of the burn in case of swelling. Apply burn ointment. Take a pain killer.

Second Degree Burns:

• This type of burn damages the skin’s deeper layers. As a general rule if they are small, they are not too serious, but if they cover a large area, they would require medical attention.
• Skin is swollen and red. The skin may be blotchy or streaked. There may be blisters, weeping clear fluid. There will be significant pain
• What to do: Remove the heat source. Cool the burned area with cold water for at least 10 minutes. Remove clothing and jewelry from the area before the area swells. Apply burn ointment and drape the burn with a loose dressing. Take a pain killer.

Third Degree Burns:

• This is the worst case situation. The skin is damaged all the way through and underlying muscles and other tissues may also be damaged. These are considered to be medical emergencies.
• The skin is damaged, charred, appears white and leathery. The patient will likely go into shock.
• What to do: Remove the heat source. Cool the surrounding 1st and 2nd degree burns only. Remove clothing and jewelry before the area swells. CALL 911. Prevent shock: have the person lie down with the feet slightly elevated, maintain normal body temperature. Be prepared to give CPR.

DO NOT:

• Do not put butter on a burn
• Do not put ice on a burn; the cold can actually cause additional damage to the skin.
• Do not break skin blisters, this could cause infection.
• Do not remove any material sticking to the burned area; leave that for the medical personnel.

Burns to the face, hands, genitals, or feet are considered more serious and are more likely to require medical care.

(( I was especially pleased to see that the first aid book specifically called out Aloe Vera Gel for use with 1st degree burns. This is something I have been promoting in my BS classes.
Given the nature of blacksmithing, I strongly recommend a general first aid course for every blacksmith. Better to be prepared than to be sorry after the fact. afd))

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 08 Jan 2008