1. NERI TORCH TRAINING PART V BASIC FIRST AID

2. -Burns -Heat Illness -Heat Stroke This information was provided through a free first aid PowerPoint provided by www.firstaidforfree.com. www.firstaidforfree.com

3. Types of burns Scald – caused by a hot liquid Friction – caused by rough surfaces, e.g: carpet Radiation/sunburn Electrical – will have an entry and an exit burn Chemical Dry – touching hot objects, e.g: a cooker.

4. Depths of burns (1) 1 st degree / superficial: Minor damage to the top layer of skin. Normally appears as just redness. 2 nd degree / partial: Damage to several layers of skin. Causes blisters. 3 rd degree / full: Damage to skin and underlying tissue. May be charring of the skin.

5. First degree / superficial burn Redness of the skin is the main feature of first degree / superficial burns Most common cause is sunburn!

6. Second degree / partial burn Note the blistering of the skin

7. Third degree / full burn After some healing has occurred

8. General treatment for burns 1.Immediately cool the affected area with running water for at least 10 minutes 2.Cover the burn with a non-sticky dressing – clingfilm, a plastic bag, non-fluffy bandage 3.Seek medical attention, if the burn is serious then call an ambulance

9. What not do to Do not try to remove clothing sticking to a burn, instead cool through the clothing Do not apply toothpaste / butter / creams to a burn. Running water is the most effective cooling method. – Exception: “Aftersun” lotion is useful for sunburn Do not burst any blisters Do not stop cooling before 10 minutes is up!

10. Infection control Try and keep the wound as clean as possible Try to avoid contact with the casualty’s blood –Wear disposable latex / nitrile gloves if available –If not, use any available items to create a barrier (e.g: a plastic bag) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards Seek medical advice if you are concerned

11. Heat Illness

12. Risk Factors for Heat Illness Weather conditions – Temperature – Humidity – Air movement – Radiant heat (sunshine – stored heat roofing system) – Conductive heat (torch head) Higher intensity and/or duration of physical activity PPE/ clothing can be a factor (long sleeves, pants, boots, gloves) Equivalent to four cups per hour

13. Personal Risk Factors – Poor physical condition* – Age – Degree of acclimatization – Water consumption – Some medications* – Alcohol/ drugs * Recommend checking w/ personal physician about heat illness risk

14. How the Body Handles Heat The body tries to keep a constant internal temperature As internal temperature rises from activity, the body cools itself by: Increasing blood flow to skin surface Releasing sweat onto skin surface

15. Heat Exhaustion Cause: – Excessive loss of water and salt through sweat Signs & Symptoms: – Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting – Weakness and moist skin – Muscle cramps – Mood changes such as irritability or confusion – Upset stomach or vomiting

16. Heat Stroke Cause: – Total breakdown of body’s cooling system Signs & Symptoms: – Sweating stops-- skin is hot, red, and dry – Mental confusion, losing consciousness – Fainting – Seizures or convulsions Treat as a medical emergency! Can be life threatening.

17. Emergency Response Procedures For any of the previously mentioned symptoms: – Immediately call 911 – While waiting for help: Move victim to cool area Give small cup of water (if conscious and not nauseous) Loosen and/or remove clothing Fan and mist the person w/ water Apply a water-soaked towel (or ice pack wrapped in towel) to head and ice pack to armpits – Contact supervisor immediately – Anyone with symptoms must never be sent home or left unattended without a medical evaluation

18. Prevention of Heat Illness

19. Access to Water Access to sufficient amounts of cool drinking water shall be available at all times. Recommend consuming at least four cups per hour for the entire shift.

20. Access to Shade A shaded rest area shall be provided as close as practicable to the work area. Refer to your departments local procedures for accessing shade As needed, take frequent cool- down breaks in the provided shade.