Outdoor Skills - First Aid
Burns
Most burns in the field are thermal (heat) burns, caused by fire, over-exposure to sunlight, certain chemicals and hot surfaces or substances.
Note: If clothes catch on fire, STOP - DROP - ROLL
Hunting partner can assist by smothering with blankets, sleeping bags, etc.
For measuring body surface, the palm of your hand is about 1%
1st degree - Red/pink, hot skin
2nd degree - Red/skin blisters
3rd degree - Deep layers/charred skin
What to do:
- Determine the severity of burn (first, second and third degree burns increase in amount of skin layers destroyed)
- Remove clothing from burned area (if burns aren't severe)
- Douse with cool water until pain stops
- Cover with dry, nonstick, sterile dressing, keep area clean
- Watch for signs of infection and dehydration
- If burn is over more than 15% of body, or appears to be deep (second or third degree) - seek medical attention immediately
Do not:
- Apply ice
- Break blisters if it can be avoided
- Apply any type of salve, ointment, sprays or creams
- Pull or cut away clothing around deep burns
