Examining first aid received by burn and scald patients

Abstract

A study of burn injuries in one burns unit showed that many of the patients did not receive effective first aid. Seventy-one patients were asked about the first aid they had received at the time of injury. The results were disappointing: fewer than half the patients had had cold water applied to the injured area at the time of the accident. Cold water is usually available; it is a simple and effective measure and has the twofold effect of lessening both pain and the depth of tissue injury. Children injured at home received better first aid than adults injured either at home or in the workplace. This study indicated that better education and more precise information is required if burn-injured patients are to receive appropriate care at the time of injury.