Posted on: 25 May 2017
All employers and operators of public places should have first aid supplies on hand to treat any injuries that occur. Doing so ensures you can reduce the severity of accidents, and keeps people as safe as possible when they're in the area.
The supplies usually included in a first aid kit cover a wide range of different possibilities, including cuts, bumps, broken bones and burns, and when used by a trained first aider can make a huge difference. In some circumstances, however, it might pay to have specialised medical supplies to hand as well.
If you're responsible for safety in a location where there's a higher than usual chance of burns, having a dedicated first aid kit to treat them is extremely sensible. Here's what it should include.
One of the most important things to do when treating a burn is to cool down the area as quickly as possible, which limits the damage done to the skin. A purpose-made burn gel is designed specifically to do this safely and effectively and is a far better option than cold water or other makeshift cooling techniques.
It's best to choose a gel that's supplied in sachets, which can be used once and then any remaining gel thrown away. This ensures it's as hygienic as possible.
Dressing a burn keeps out dirt and bacteria, helping to prevent infection. Although any type of clean dressing can be used, special burn dressings are available that are impregnated with a cooling gel. This maximises the healing process and ensures the area of the injury is kept cool.
Hygienic medical film is ideal for putting over the top of a dressed burn. Not only does it create a barrier that stops any contaminants getting through, it also keeps the moisture in perfectly. This prevents the burn from drying out and helps keep the skin in better condition.
First aid scissors
Sometimes, you may need to remove items of clothing from a patient in order to treat a burn properly. However, this can cause trauma if fabric rubs across the area of the injury, so clothing might need to be cut away to work more safely. Although any type of scissors would do the job, first aid ones are designed to be safer to use next to the skin. The angle and shape of the blades let you cut fabric without risking further injury to the person you're treating.
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