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Join the American Burn Association to Learn About the Dangers of Contact Burns
Last year, more than 400,000 patients ended up in America’s hospitals with serious burn injuries. Nearly 20% of them needed treatment for a contact burn, which is any injury where skin is destroyed after touching a hot object. Hazards lurk around our homes, workplaces and even follow us on the road, as a bad accident can cause a fire. Though the risks are not equal, all burn injuries can be painful; and, some burns require medical attention.
During National Burn Awareness Week, which falls the first week of February each year, the American Burn Association asks us to talk about the dangers of these injuries and think about prevention. In just a few minutes, you can make a plan that might end up saving a life.
Know Your Burn Hazards
Though even minor burns are painful, major burns (which consist of extensive second-degree burns and any third-degree burns) can result in lifelong scarring and disability. Recovery from these injuries takes a long time and a lot of effort and may require the help of a burn specialist.
Just as a burn can change someone’s life irreversibly, your work to prevent burns can do the same. You may be able to make changes now, such as moving or shielding objects that get dangerously hot, to improve safety. Everything from faulty household appliances to workplace machinery poses a risk.
The category of burn hazards does include fire danger as well; if you haven’t checked the proximity of flammable materials to heating elements lately, it’s a good idea to make a sweep. Finally, make a fire plan. You should know where the nearest fire extinguisher is and have a list and map of all viable exits.
Burn Treatment Tips
Should you or a loved one suffer a burn, the immediate treatment response can be very important. These injuries can disrupt your entire body if they are serious enough. Even when minor, a burn may increase in size when not treated properly.
First-Degree Burns
Burns that affect only the top layer of the skin may turn red and hurt, but they normally can be treated at home. However, some common “tips” are actually incorrect and can cause more damage. Do not expose the burn to ice or cold water—use cool water only. Treat the burn until the patient gets chilled or five minutes passes, whichever happens first. The wound can then be loosely bandaged, and the patient may need some pharmaceutical pain management.
Second-Degree Burns
Two layers of skin are affected by second-degree burns, and accordingly, they are more extreme in appearance. The burn area typically becomes a deep red and develops blisters that may leak fluid. Some skin might be lost. The American Burn Association recommends seeking medical attention for any burn larger than 2-3 inches or located in an area such as the feet, face, groin, or over a joint.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and always require medical care. These injuries often cause permanent damage and may require treatments including skin grafts, even if they are small. Because they typically damage nerve endings, third-degree burns do not hurt; however, they may make the skin appear charred or white and cause a texture that is dry and/or leathery. Healing from a third-degree burn is a long process that will require expert help.
Support the American Burn Association with Us
By joining important initiatives like National Burn Awareness Week, the team at Wilson Law, P.A. is furthering our mission of keeping our community safe. Sometimes it’s necessary to take on companies that cause catastrophic injuries—but when those injuries can be prevented from ever happening, everyone is better off. Just as our work in the courtroom holds negligent parties accountable and motivates them to adopt safer practices, we want to use our position in the community to caution consumers against potential hazards they may not be aware of.
At Wilson Law, P.A., we represent adults and children who sustain serious burn injuries arising from the negligent conduct of an individual or corporate entity. We’ve seen the devastating impact burn injuries cause our clients and their loved ones. If you need an experienced lawyer to assist you with receiving justice for this type of injury, contact Wilson Law, P.A. today