Heat causes damage through conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction: Direct contact.
Convection: Fluids and gasses.
Radiation: Sun burn.
There can be superficial, partial thickness and full thickness injuries.
As a rough guide, a 1% burn is about the size of the casualty’s hand and can be added up for the total size of the burn.
Burns are treated by cooling with “tepid” water and the use of cling film or a clean sandwich bag for protection from infection. Other cooling can be used depending on the size of the burn, the type of burn and the size of the casualty.
Don’t burst blisters or apply creams, leave this to medical professionals. Any burn to certain parts or certain places of the body and certain ages must be seen by a medical professional.
In general, burns that just turn red will heal themselves after cooling. If there are blisters or the skin comes off see a medical professional.
A burn is always susceptible to infection and must be kept clean, covered and observed until healed.
Dry Ice can also harm skin severely, treat as any other burn. Dry ice does not actually burn, it does damage skin cells in a "similar" manner so it is called a burn as it can blister. Dry ice does not melt, in goes straight from a solid to a gas so the damage is from both conduction and convection. Dry ice (frozen Carbon Dioxide) is often used to make fog effects on stage. But it does dispel oxygen. The gas can cause frostbite. Do not touch the product with bare hands or breathe in the fumes. Read the Safety Data sheet for frozen Carbon Dioxide (dry ice). There is also information as to how to prevent burns and scalds as they are rarely an accident.
Look at our available courses and receive qualified, professional training to help you to deal with medical emergencies.