Types of fire accidents
- Kitchen accidents like burns from hot liquids, steam, hot oil, gas explosions
- Fire due to faulty appliances from heaters, irons, faulty wiring etc.
- Smoking – related fires
- Burns due to chemicals, radiation and electric current
- Categories of burns
- The category of a burn depends on the severity of tissue damage.
1. First degree burns symptoms
- They are superficial
- There may be swelling, redness, pain
- There may be small blisters
- Appearance of white skin around the burn area
Emergency response
- Remove clothing from around the affected area
- Pour cold water over affected area till burning subsides (this reduces the chance of blisters)
- Pat dry and apply a topical antibiotic prescribed for burns (do not rub dry-you could peel away skin)
- It is better to see a doctor and get the wounds checked and to take a tetanus vaccination
2. Second degree burns symptoms
- The burned area stretched to the dermis
- There may be swelling, redness and pain
- Large blisters may form, which may ooze liquid
- There could be scarring and tightening of skin
- Dehydration may occur
- Movement may be restricted if it is around a joint
Emergency response
- Remove clothing from around the affected area
- Keep the area dry/ use sterile cotton to avoid infection
- Keep the burnt area raised to avoid swelling
- Keep the injured hydrated
- Take the injured to the emergency care in a hospital immediately or call for an ambulance
3. Third degree burns symptoms
- The damage goes through all three layers of skin
- Nerve endings may get damaged causing lack of pain
- Will not turn white and there will be no blisters
- Skin may be discolored and becomes leathery
- Injured could go into shock
- Dehydration may occur
Emergency response
- Do not move the injured
- Do not give the injured anything to eat or drink
- Do not try to remove clothing. You may inadvertently remove skin
- Call a hospital ambulance as the injured may need emergency assistance on the way to the hospital
- Take the victim’s medical records and inform the doctor of the precise nature of the accident
Tips to prevent fire accidents
- Get your gas cylinder checked when it is delivered and get the pipeline checked regularly
- Get the wiring in your home checked in case of water damage or leaks
- Make sure your appliances are working properly
- Stop smoking or be careful with smoking accessories
