Fire Accident - Emergency Procedures

Types of fire accidents

• Kitchen accidents like burns from hot liquids, steam, hot oil, gas explosions
• Fire due to faulty appliances from heaters, irons, faulty wiring etc.
• Smoking – related fires
• Burns due to chemicals, radiation and electric current

Categories of burns

The category of a burn depends on the severity of tissue damage.

1. First degree burns symptoms

• They are superficial
• There may be swelling, redness, pain
• There may be small blisters
• Appearance of white skin around the burn area

Emergency response

• Remove clothing from around the affected area
• Pour cold water over affected area till burning subsides (this reduces the chance of blisters)
• Pat dry and apply a topical antibiotic prescribed for burns (do not rub dry-you could peel away skin)
• It is better to see a doctor and get the wounds checked and to take a tetanus vaccination

2. Second degree burns symptoms

• The burned area stretched to the dermis
• There may be swelling, redness and pain
• Large blisters may form, which may ooze liquid
• There could be scarring and tightening of skin
• Dehydration may occur
• Movement may be restricted if it is around a joint

Emergency response

• Remove clothing from around the affected area
• Keep the area dry/ use sterile cotton to avoid infection
• Keep the burnt area raised to avoid swelling
• Keep the injured hydrated
• Take the injured to the emergency care in a hospital immediately or call for an ambulance

3. Third degree burns symptoms

• The damage goes through all three layers of skin
• Nerve endings may get damaged causing lack of pain
• Will not turn white and there will be no blisters
• Skin may be discolored and becomes leathery
• Injured could go into shock
• Dehydration may occur

Emergency response

• Do not move the injured
• Do not give the injured anything to eat or drink
• Do not try to remove clothing. You may inadvertently remove skin
• Call a hospital ambulance as the injured may need emergency assistance on the way to the hospital
• Take the victim’s medical records and inform the doctor of the precise nature of the accident

Tips to prevent fire accidents

• Get your gas cylinder checked when it is delivered and get the pipeline checked regularly
• Get the wiring in your home checked in case of water damage or leaks
• Make sure your appliances are working properly
• Stop smoking or be careful with smoking accessories

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