How To Perform First Aid After a Fire

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

How To Provide First Aid In The Event Of A Fire

No place is untouchable from fires. Even established business areas in Longmont, CO, can be at risk. Your workplace should have a plan for building evacuation, as well as a plan for fire damage recovery and restoration. However, you can also prepare yourself by learning how to administer first aid if a coworker has been burned by a fire. Here are the steps you should take if such an event occurs.

1. Prevent Further Injury

If the person is near the source of the fire damage, assess if it is safe to move toward him or her. If it is safe, clear away anything touching the person that may have caused the burn.

2. Examine the Injury

See if the person is still conscious. Check for symptoms of shock such as shallow breathing or paleness. Establish if it is a major burn by looking for these symptoms:

• The burn is either very deep into the skin or at least three inches in length.
  
• The area is a major body part such as the face, hands or feet.
  
• The skin is charred, leathery, or covered with dark-colored patches.

3. Get Help

If the person is in critical condition and cannot be transported to get care, call 911 immediately and explain the person’s condition to the 911 operator. Follow any instructions and stay with the injured person until help comes.

4. Apply Burn First Aid

You can temporarily treat the person’s wound while you wait for help to arrive. If he or she has a major burn, carefully remove items wrapped around the burned area such as jewelry. Keep it clean by applying a clean cloth or bandage. You can also moisten the covering with cool water to alleviate the pain.

Witnessing fire damage at your workplace can be devastating, but being calm and taking care of anyone injured can minimize the most harmful effects of a fire.