|
Electrical burns occur when there is contact with an electricity, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
|
|
|
|
- Call or send someone to call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Significant electrical injuries will need medical care.
- Unplug the appliance or device that has caused the injury or turn off the electrical current.
- If the child is in contact with the electrical current do not touch them until you turn off the source or the circuit breaker.
- Determine that the child is still breathing. If the child is not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Cover the burned area with a sterile gauze bandage or clean bed sheet.
- Maintain your child's normal body temperature, and take the child to an emergency center.
- Be aware that a child may experience "shock" after an electrical burn. If your child is showing signs of shock, send someone to call 911 immediately.
- Do not give your child anything to eat or drink.
- Place the child on his/her back, unless a neck or back injury is suspected.
- If the child has vomited or has a serious injury to the face or mouth area, you may lay the child on his/her side.
- Keep your child warm with blankets or extra clothing, but do not use a heat source to warm them.
- Elevate your child's feet and legs, using a prop or pillow.
|
|
|
|
The following are the most common symptoms of shock. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of shock may include:
|
|
|
- cold sweat
- weakness
- irregular breathing
- chills
- pale or blue-colored lips
- pale or blue-colored fingernails
- a fast, but weak pulse
- nausea
|
|
The symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your child's physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
|
|
|
|
A heat-induced or thermal burn can occur when the skin comes in contact with any heat source, such as a cooking pan, an iron, a fire, a hot surface or a hot, scalding liquid.
|
|
|
|
|
- Remove the child from the heat source.
- Cool the affected area with cold water or cold compresses until pain is reduced or alleviated.
- If a blister has formed, do not break it.
- Protect the burn with a dry, sterile, gauze bandage or with a clean bed sheet or cloth.
- If your child's clothing is stuck to the burned area, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, cut around the clothing leaving the burn intact.
- Do not apply any ointments, oils, or sprays to the burned area.
- If the burn is serious, seek medical attention or dial 911 for emergency medical attention.
|
|
|
|
|
