Five-word mantra to handle burns and scalds safely

Author: YT, Reviewer: Not specified, Curator: Not specified, Production/Organizational Information: Xiangdong Hospital, Hunan Normal University.

Title: Five-word mantra to handle burns and scalds safely

Experts urge caution during the Spring Festival, highlighting burn risks and advising on the 'Flush, Remove, Soak, Cover, Send' steps for safety.

The Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, filled with joy and laughter. However, a moment's negligence can cast a shadow over these warm and festive moments.

Recently, the Department of General Surgery at Xiangdong Hospital, Hunan Normal University, admitted two patients in succession: a boy who suffered severe burns to his hands and face after accidentally igniting a firework, and a man who received large blisters from scalding steam while testing a pressure cooker.

Every year during the Spring Festival, such accidents noticeably increase, and often behind these incidents lies nothing but 'a moment of carelessness.' To ensure a happy reunion, please remember these eight words: prevention first, appropriate first aid.

The nature of burns and scalds.

Burns usually refer to injuries caused to the skin and tissues by thermal agents such as flames, hot liquids, or steam. Immediate and proper handling can significantly prevent the heat from penetrating deeper, reduce the severity of the injury, alleviate intense pain, and buy precious time for subsequent treatment.

(2) Consequences of Burns and Scalds

Immediate pain:

From skin redness and swelling, to blistering, and then to tissue blackening, accompanied by unbearable severe pain.

2. Long-term effects:

Infection and Scarring: Deep burns are highly susceptible to infection, and after healing, they may leave permanent scars or pigmentation.

Functional impairment: Deep burns occurring in areas such as joints and extremities may affect normal activity functionality.

Life Threat: Extensive burns can lead to severe fluid loss, and the situation becomes even more dangerous when accompanied by respiratory tract burns.

Psychological trauma: Changes in appearance can lead to long-lasting social anxiety and mental stress.

Remember the five key phrases: 'Flush, Remove, Soak, Cover, Send.' They can save you in critical moments.

1. Flush

Immediately rinse the injured area with clean, gently flowing cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. This is the most important step, as it effectively reduces temperature and alleviates pain.

2. Remove

Carefully cut away and remove the clothing covering the wound in cold water. Avoid forcefully tearing it off, as this may cause secondary damage.

3. Soak

Soak the injured area in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes to further relieve pain. Note that for individuals with extensive burns, prolonged soaking should be avoided to prevent hypothermia.

4. Cover

Gently cover the wound with a clean gauze or towel to protect the area and minimize contamination.

5. Send

After completing the above steps, immediately take the patient to the hospital. This is especially crucial in cases of extensive burns, deep burns (where the skin appears white or charred), injuries to the head, face, hands, or joints, or if the patient is an elderly person or a child. Every second counts in these situations.

1. It is strictly forbidden to apply toothpaste, soy sauce, sesame oil, stove ash, iodine tincture, and other substances to wounds. These items can contaminate the wound, interfere with the doctor's assessment, and even worsen the injury.

2. Do not burst the blister: the intact blister skin is a natural 'protective membrane.'

3. Do not apply ice directly to the wound: this may cause local frostbite and worsen the injury.

4. Do not trust folk remedies; seek medical attention promptly: No folk remedy can replace professional medical care.

1. Kitchen safety

Prevention: Place pot handles inward, keep children away from the stove, wear fitted clothing, and maintain a slip-resistant floor.

First Aid: If you are scalded by hot oil, immediately extinguish the source of heat and do not flush with water (to avoid splattering of oil). You can first cover the fire with a pot lid, and then follow the steps of 'Flush, Remove, Soak, Cover, and Send' for treatment.

2. Dining Table Gathering

Prevention: Keep hot pot broth away from the edge of the table, use communal chopsticks to prevent splashes, and have designated supervision for children.

First Aid: If scalded with hot soup, immediately rinse the mouth (if injured) or skin with cold water.

3. Fireworks and Firecrackers

Prevention: Purchase qualified products, maintain a safe distance, and children should only light fireworks under the supervision of adults.

First Aid: If your clothing catches fire, remember 'Stop, Drop, and Roll.' (Stop running, drop to the ground, and roll back and forth to extinguish the flames.) Then, treat the burned area with cold water. If the eyes are affected, do not rub or rinse them; immediately cover with a clean cloth or eye mask and seek medical attention.

4. Heating equipment

Prevention: Keep electric heaters away from flammable materials and turn them off before sleeping; be aware of 'low-temperature burns'—prolonged contact with heat sources like heating pads or hot water bottles, which can also lead to severe burns.

It is recommended to keep on hand: sterile gauze, medical cotton swabs, iodine antiseptic (for disinfecting the skin around wounds), medical tape, and burn dressings.

Important reminder: It is not recommended for families to prepare various 'burn ointments' on their own; medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.

(Editing YT)