Figure 1-17.--Rule of Nines.

or petroleum jelly), antiseptic preparations, or

ointments.

If the victim is conscious and not vomiting,

prepare a weak solution of salt (1 teaspoon) and baking

soda (1/2 teaspoon) in a quart of warm water. Allow

the victim to sip the drink slowly. Aspirin is also

effective for the relief of pain.

Treat for shock. Maintain the victim's body heat,

but do not allow the victim to become overheated. If

the victim's hands, feet, or legs are burned, elevate

them higher than the heart.

ELECTRICAL BURNS.-- In electrical shock

cases, burns may have to be ignored temporarily while

the patient is being revived. After the patient is

revived, lightly cover the burn with a dry, preferably

sterile, dressing, treat for shock, and transport the

victim to a medical facility.

CHEMICAL BURNS.-- To treat most chemical

burns, you should begin flushing the area immediately

with large amounts of water. Do not apply the water

too forcefully. If necessary, remove the victim's

clothing, including shoes and socks, while flushing.

Water should not be used for alkali burns caused

by dry lime, unless large amounts of water are

Figure 1-17.--Rule of Nines.

available for rapid and complete flushing. When water

and lime are mixed they create a very corrosive

to further ease breathing. Transport the victim with

substance. Dry lime should be brushed from the skin

facial burns to a medical facility as soon as possible.

and clothing.

Remove all jewelry and similar articles, even from

Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol should be used to

unburned areas, since severe swelling may develop

treat acid burns caused by phenol (carbolic acid).

rapidly.

Phenol is not water soluble; therefore, water should

only be used after first washing with alcohol or if

To relieve pain initially, apply cold compresses to

alcohol is not available.

the affected area or submerge it in cold water. Cold

water not only minimizes pain, but also reduces the

For chemical burns of the eye, flush immediately

burning effects in the deep layers of the skin. Gently

with large amounts of fresh, clean water. Acid burns

pat dry the area with a lint-free cloth or gauze.

should be flushed at least 15 minutes, and alkali burns

for as long as 20 minutes. If the victim cannot open

Cover the burned area with a sterile dressing,

the eyes, hold the eyelids apart so water can flow

clean sheet, or unused plastic bag. Coverings such as

across the eyes. After thorough irrigation, loosely

blankets or other materials with a rough texture should

cover both eyes with a clean dressing.

not be used because lint may contaminate and further

irritate the injured tissue. When hands and feet are

The after care for all chemical burns is similar to

burned, dressings must be applied between the fingers

that for thermal burns. Cover the affected area and get

and toes to prevent skin surfaces from sticking to each

the victim to a medical facility as soon as possible.

other.

RADIATION BURNS.-- For first- and second-

Do not attempt to break blisters, and do not

degree sunburns, treatment is essentially the same as

remove shreds of tissue or adhered particles of charred

for thermal burns. If the burn is not serious and the

clothing. Never apply greasy substances (butter, lard,

victim does not need medical attention, apply

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