Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
15 22
Treatment of burns
Treatment for burns depends on their severity.
You can treat superficial and minor partial-thickness burns caused by
heat at home. However, seek medical help:
• all deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns
• all chemical and electrical burns
• superficial and partial-thickness burns covering an area larger than the
palm of your hand
• burns that cover a joint or are on the face, hands, feet or groin
• all airway or suspected smoke inhalation burns
• advice if you're not sure about the extent of the burn or how to deal
with it.
For full-thickness burns or burns caused by chemicals or electricity, call
for emergency help. While waiting, valuable treatment can be given.
• For burns caused by heat, carefully remove any restricting clothing or
jewellery that isn't stuck to the burn. Flood the burn with cool (not cold) water
until medical help is available.
• For burns caused by chemicals, remove any affected clothing. Brush
the chemical off your skin if it's a dry powder and flood the burn with cool (not
cold) water. Don't try to neutralise the chemical with another chemical.
15.2.5 The shock
Causes of Shock
Shock can develop when the heart pump fails to work properly, causing
a reduction in the pressure of the circulating blood. The most common cause
of this type of shock is a heart attack.
Shock can develop as a result of a reduction in the volume of fluid
circulating around the body. The most common examples of this are external
or internal bleeding, or loss of other bodily fluids through severe diarrhoea,
vomiting, or burns. The blood supply is diverted from the surface to the core of
the body. The main symptoms and signs of shock relate to such redistribution
of the circulation.
Recognition of Shock
Initially, a flow of adrenaline causes:
 A rapid pulse.
 Pale, grey skin, especially inside the lips. If pressure is applied to a
fingernail or earlobe, it will not regain its colour immediately.
 Sweating, and cold, clammy skin (sweat does not evaporate).
As shock develops, there may be:
 Weakness and giddiness.
 Nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
 Thirst.
 Rapid, shallow breathing.