1 - Remove the Heat Source

This is the very first step: make sure that the heat source is removed or even turned off.

2 - Remove any loose clothing from the burned area.

If they stick, leave them in place.

3 - Place the injured area (and only that area) under cool water for 10 minutes.

Stop if the victim is cold or shivering. Here's a phrase I like to convey in my training sessions: "Cool the burn, not the person being burned."

4 - Wrap the burned area in a clean cloth.

Make sure the linen is clean and does not cause infections. The priority is to cover the burn.

5 - Wash your hands to disinfect with a colorless, non-alcoholic disinfectant solution

Then gently apply a thick layer of a suitable cream (for example: Flammazine, Flaminal Hydro, Ialugen Plus).

Finally, cover properly with gauze and a bandage. Be careful not to stick anything on the burned skin.

6 - If the pain is difficult to tolerate and without contraindication, take a painkiller

Always read the instructions carefully.

7 - Avoid soiling the dressing and re-do the dressing once a day, using the following method:

- Wash the wound under running water with neutral or even disinfectant soap.

- Dry by dabbing with a clean cloth.

- Redo the dressing.

- Tip: To remove the bandage, run water over the gauze. It will gradually come off.

There are different approaches depending on the situation. For example, if you have comorbidities or extreme age (children and elderly), do not hesitate to consult your pharmacist, your doctor or myself. Also, if the burned body surface area is more than three times the palm of the victim's hand and blisters appear OR the skin turns white or brown, seek emergency care immediately.

This is also the case for other etiologies (chemical, electrical, radiation), internal burns such as smoke inhalation. Finally, in the event that it goes beyond the stage of sunburn and the burned area partially covers the face, hands, intimate area or a joint, it is necessary to consult. If the pain persists or if there are signs of infection, it will also be necessary to consult.

Generally speaking, if you have any hesitation, contact the CHUV burn treatment center on 144. Contact me for more details once you have contacted the emergency services (+41 78 817 36 73, info@ardeat.ch).

The management of burn scars is not well known by the general public, but also by health professionals. Severe burns heal pathologically and evolve over several years. It is therefore essential that victims are supervised by a team of professionals who can offer them appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Since the creation of ARDEAT, I have received consultations with people who have suffered burns and who have been left behind without knowing that there are resources to support them and improve their daily lives. My role is to propose the different options available and to coordinate the various possible multidisciplinary interventions.

For more information about ARDEAT visit www.ardeat.ch

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