First Aid for Flame Burns

Burns are one of the most common kinds of injury. Every year they send about 700,000 people to hospital emergency rooms in the US. In South Carolina alone, 16 people suffered from fatal burn injuries in the single month of January, 2009. Sadly, a large percentage of people who die from burn-related injuries or complications are children under the age of 10.

Injuries caused by exposure to flames are among the most common kinds of burns. It is important to know how to respond to them effectively. If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries due to another party’s careless behavior, contact the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to speak with an experienced Charleston burn injury lawyer.

Responding to Mild Burns

A burn is not considered too serious as long as all of the following apply:

• It is not on a sensitive part of the body like the face or hands
• It is less than three inches in length
• The skin around the burn is not blackened or dry and white

Minor burns can usually be treated with cool water, fresh bandages, and over-the-counter painkillers. They generally heal on their own, but should be monitored for signs of infection. Do not use butter or creams on a fresh burn, since that can interfere with healing.

Responding to Major Burns

If any of the conditions listed above apply to your companion's burn, call 911. If you are not sure whether or not a burn is severe, it is always best to let medical professionals decide. While you wait for emergency respondents, you can:

• Keep the injured area elevated
• Check for breathing and administer CPR if necessary
• Cover the injury with clean, cool, moist cloths or bandages

Do not attempt to remove burnt clothing or submerge a major burn in cold water. Either one of these can make the situation worse.

Contact a Charleston Burn Injury Attorney

Burns are painful injuries that can cause lasting disabilities and scars. To discuss your grounds for legal compensation with a Charleston burn injury lawyer, contact the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800.