H E A LT H
First Aid
FOR COMMON INJURIES
Story by ROSE GREEN-FLORES
MOST PEOPLE FEEL CONFIDENT TREATING MINOR INJURIES AT HOME. But what
about when an injury requires more than a quick Band-Aid? “The New Year is a great time to refresh your first aid knowledge,” said Justine White, R.N., Lake Regional Trauma Nurse Coordinator. “This is also a good time make sure your first aid kit is up-to-date.” Below, White shares important first-aid tips for some of the most common injuries treated at Lake Regional Emergency Department, as well as when to seek immediate medical attention.
Burns
A burn can come from heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. Depending on the damage to the layers of skin and tissue, burns can range from first-degree to third-degree.
38 lakenewsonline.com
“For minor burns, apply a cool, wet cloth on the burn to soothe any pain or place the burn under cool running water,” White said. “Never put ice on a burn because this can cause further damage. When the area cools, apply lotion or an antibiotic ointment, and loosely cover the burn with a sterile gauze pad.” Blisters protect against infection, so never break them. It is OK to take over-the-counter pain medication. If you’re concerned about a burn, seek expert help. Lake Regional Express Care clinics care for minor burns. “Go to the emergency department for deep burns or burns on your face, hands, feet, buttocks, groin, a major joint or a large area of the body,” White said. “For severe burns, treatment may include medications, wound dressings or debridement, therapy and surgery. Major burns could also require specialized treatment at a burn center.”
