SFA Manual Rev 1 2020 - Final 101 126
SFA Manual Rev 1 2020 - Final 101 126
SFA Manual Rev 1 2020 - Final 101 126
Fig. 89 – Immobilisation of the lower legs. Example shown here is for Lower Leg fracture.
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Chapter 6
Burn Injuries
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The Skin Structure
Function
➢ Protects from injury
➢ Protects from infections
➢ Regulates body temperature
Important Notes
➢ Establish own safety before attempting to treat the casualty.
➢ Stop the burning, by means of rapid cooling using water for 5 – 10
minutes, in order to prevent further damage to the tissues, to reduce
swelling, minimize shock, and alleviate pain.
➢ Cover the injury to protect it from infection.
➢ Except in cases of very minor burns, obtain appropriate medical aid.
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6.1 – Burns Depth and Severity of Burns
Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat. Both are
treated in the same way.
A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused
by something wet, such as hot water or steam.
The amount of pain experienced by the casualty is not always related to the
severity of the burn. Even a very serious burn may be relatively painless.
Recognition
Burns Depth
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Severity of Burns
The extent of a burn is expressed in terms of a percentage of the Body Surface
Area (BSA).
The “Rule-of-Nines”,
which divides the surface
area of the body into
areas of approximately
9%, is used to calculate
extent and to decide
what level of medical
attention should be
sought.
The Palmar Method is
used for estimating the
percentage of body
surface area on a casualty
by using the casualty’s
palm to estimate 1% of
their Body Surface Area
(BSA). This method may
be useful in estimating
burn areas smaller than a Fig. 94 – “Rule-of-Nines” and Palmar Method
full extremity.
For a normal adult:
✓ Any partial-thickness burn (2nd degree) of 1% or more (covering an area
approximating to that of the casualty’s palm) must be seen by a doctor.
✓ A partial-thickness burn (2nd degree) of 9% or more may lead to shock;
the casualty needs hospital treatment.
✓ A full-thickness burn (3rd degree) of any size requires immediate hospital
treatment.
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6.2 – Classification and Treatment of Burns
Actions to Take
Superficial Burn (1st Degree) and Partial Thickness Burn (2nd Degree)
✓ Remove jewellery, belts and other restrictive items, especially from
burned areas around the neck as burned areas may swell rapidly.
✓ Flush the burnt area with tap water for at least 10 minutes, blot dry and
cover with a sterile dressing or any clean cloth.
✓ Treat the casualty for shock if present.
✓ Seek medical attention.
✓ DO NOT break blisters.
✓ DO NOT use adhesive dressings.
✓ DO NOT apply ice.
✓ DO NOT remove anything stuck to the burn as further damage and
infection may result.
✓ DO NOT use antiseptic preparation, ointment sprays, lotions or creams
to the injury.
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✓ DO NOT remove anything stuck to the burn as further damage and
infection may result.
✓ DO NOT immerse large burnt areas into water as it can cause loss of
body heat.
✓ DO NOT use antiseptic preparation, ointment sprays, lotions or creams
to the injury.
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✓ DO NOT break blisters.
✓ DO NOT use adhesive dressings.
✓ DO NOT apply ice.
✓ DO NOT remove anything stuck to the burn as further damage and
infection may result.
✓ DO NOT use antiseptic preparation, ointment sprays, lotions or creams
to the injury.
Chemical Burn
This occurs when caustic or corrosive substances come into contact with the
skin.
✓ Flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water
for 15 – 20 minutes or longer.
Some chemicals require
specific treatment, always
refer to the chemical’s Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for more
information (see figure 95).
✓ Wear gloves, apron and eye
protection if available.
Remove the casualty’s
contaminated clothing whilst
flushing.
✓ Cover the burned area with a
dry clean dressing.
✓ Call 995 for SCDF. Inform the
dispatch that chemicals are
involved. Fig. 95 – Example of a Safety Data Sheet
Electrical Burn
An electrical burn is caused by electricity entering the body at the point of
contact. Most of the damage occurs inside the body although the burn appears
small and is seen only on the outside. The electricity normally exits where the
body is in contact with a surface or the ground.
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✓ Ensure that the area is safe. Unplug, disconnect, or turn off the power.
✓ Check for fractures and spinal injury.
✓ Treat the casualty for shock by raising the legs and prevent heat loss by
covering him with a cot or blanket.
✓ Cover entry and exit burns.
✓ Call 995 for SCDF.
✓ Sudden Cardiac Arrest may occur. Perform Chest Compressions and use
the AED if casualty’s breathing stops.
Radiation Burn
The most common type of radiation burn is sun burn caused by Ultra Violet
(UV) radiation.
✓ Remove the casualty from the sun or source of heat. Move to a cool and
sheltered area or cover the affected parts with light clothing.
✓ Encourage the casualty to stay hydrated in small amounts at a time and
cool the affected skin by dabbing with water.
✓ If signs of heat disorders are also present, treat the casualty accordingly
(refer to Chapter 2) and call 995 for SCDF.
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Chapter 7
Other First Aid Knowledge
1) Eye Injuries
2) Epistaxis (Nose Bleeding)
3) Poisoning
4) Transportation of Casualty
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The Eye
Function
The eye is protected from injury by the quick movement of the eyelids.
Secretions from the eye in response to irritation and chemicals help to wash
the eye.
Important Notes
➢ Whenever possible, cover both the casualty’s eyes with cold, wet pads.
➢ Always seek medical attention – call 995 for SCDF.
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7.1 – Eye Injuries
Eye injuries occur due to damage caused by a direct blow to the eye. The
trauma may affect not only the eye, but the surrounding area, including
adjacent tissue and bone structure.
Other forms of eye injuries can be caused by foreign bodies or chemicals and
may have a high risk of long-term damage to the eyes.
Recognition
Chemicals
Chemical burns to the eye can occur at the workplace, at home or in schools
and may not even involve industrial chemicals. Common soap, detergent, hand
sanitiser or shampoo may get into the eye and cause varying levels of
discomfort.
➢ Redness and swelling
➢ Sharp or burning pain
➢ Unable to open eyes
➢ Tearing
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Foreign Bodies
➢ Pain or discomfort
➢ Blurred vision
➢ Redness and tearing
➢ Eyelid may be tightly closed
➢ Sand, wood, dust or fragments of an object may be visible
Actions to Take
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Chemicals
✓ Place the casualty’s head under a tap and rinse the eye with clean water
for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
✓ Irrigate from the nose side of the eye outwards to avoid flushing the
chemical into the other eye.
✓ Encourage the casualty to roll his or her eyeball so that the water can
flush out the chemical from all parts of the eye.
✓ Place and eye pad to the affected eyes and bandage both eyes.
✓ Call 995 for SCDF.
Foreign Bodies
✓ Protect the injured eye with an eye pad or eye shield to prevent object
from being driven deeper into the eye.
✓ Cover the uninjured eye with a patch to stop movement of the uninjured
eye.
✓ Call 995 for SCDF.
✓ DO NOT allow the casualty to rub the eye.
✓ DO NOT attempt to remove any embedded object.
✓ DO NOT use dry cotton (cotton balls or cotton-tipped swabs) or
instruments such as tweezers on the eye.
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7.2 – Epistaxis (Nose Bleeding)
Nosebleeds are common in children but may occur in adults as well. Other
causes may also be due to injury to the nose, picking of nose dry climate,
frequent nose blowing. The bleeding is usually minor in most cases. A
nosebleed after a head injury should be taken seriously and medical attention
should be sought, as it may suggest a possible skull fracture.
Actions to Take
✓ Sit the casualty down with his/her head slightly forward. Allow a small
bowl for the child to spit in if necessary.
✓ Help the casualty pinch the fleshy part of the nose for 10 minutes, asking
him/her to breathe through his open mouth.
✓ If the bleeding continues, reapply the pressure for another 10 minutes.
Most nosebleeds should stop within 20 to 30 minutes. If it persists for
more than half an hour, you should seek medical attention.
✓ After the bleeding has stopped, advise the casualty to rest for a few
hours.
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7.3 – Poisoning
Poisoning is a process or
condition when a casualty
becomes harmed (poisoned) by
a toxic substance. Poisoning can
be acute (sudden or over a very
short period of time) or chronic
(over a prolonged period of
time). Depending on the length
of exposure and dose, effects
Fig. 98 – Routes of Poisoning
may range from temporary to
irreversible damage or death.
Poison may enter the body through breathing (inhalation), skin contact
(absorption/injection) or by mouth (ingestion) (see figure 98).
Recognition
Depending on the substance, dose and exposure, the signs and symptoms may
vary and may include the following (but not limited to):
➢ Altered levels of consciousness and may lead to unconsciousness
➢ Breathing difficulty
➢ Corrosive burns around the mouth if substance was ingested
➢ Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
➢ Presence of poisonous substances nearby
➢ Corrosive burn marks if the substance was absorbed through the skin
➢ History of substance abuse (eg. puncture marks on skin)
➢ Headache, nausea or giddiness
Actions to Take
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✓ For poisoning cases in a workplace involving substances used during the
work process, refer to the instructions on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
and follow the emergency procedures established for such incidents. If
such procedures are not in place or you are unsure, call 995 for SCDF
and inform them that chemicals (type and amount if known) are
involved. Keep the casualty calm and minimise the casualty’s
movements.
✓ For poisoning cases in a domestic or household setting, keep the
casualty calm and minimise the casualty’s movements. Call 995 for SCDF.
✓ DO NOT leave the casualty unattended at any time. Monitor the casualty
and record the vital signs at regular intervals. If casualty is conscious and
alert, get a detailed history.
✓ Ensure personal safety when handling the substance (eg. chemical,
pesticide, detergent, syringe with needles, bottles, etc). Inform SCDF of
the suspected substance and bring the substance’s container along to
the hospital.
✓ DO NOT force the casualty to vomit unless it is a natural body reaction.
✓ DO NOT force the casualty to drink more water unless advised by SCDF
or a Doctor.
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7.4 – Transportation of Casualty
Principles of Lifting
➢ Know your capabilities. Do not try to handle too heavy a load – seek
help.
➢ Keep your back straight. Tighten the muscles of the buttocks and
abdomen.
➢ Apply a safe grip. Use as much of the palms as possible.
➢ Position your feet shoulder width apart for balance, with one foot in
front of the other.
➢ When lifting, do not twist your back; pivot with your feet.
➢ While lifting and carrying, do so in a slow motion and smooth motion, in
unison with other rescuers.
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➢ Before moving a casualty, inform him/her about what you are going to
do.
The following methods should only be used by a First Aider when a casualty
cannot be lifted, or is incapable of standing up, but needs to be moved from
danger promptly. Avoid using any of these methods if you suspect that the
casualty has sustained neck or head injuries.
Shoulder Drag
✓ Used for short distances over a rough
surface
✓ Stabilize the casualty’s head with your
forearms
✓ Crouch behind the casualty, help
him/her to sit up, and cross his/her
arms over his/her chest
✓ Pass your arms under the casualty’s
armpits and grasp his/her wrists
✓ Carefully pull casualty backwards. Fig. 99 – Shoulder Drag
✓ DO NOT use this method if there are
shoulder, head or neck injuries.
Human Crutch
✓ If one of the casualty’s legs is injured, help
him/her to walk on the good leg while you
support the injured side.
✓ Stand at his/her injured side, except when
there is an injury to an upper limb.
✓ Assist the casualty by putting your arm
round his/her waist, grasp the clothing at
the hip, and place his/her arm round your
neck, holding his/her hand with your free
hand. Fig. 100 – Human Crutch
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✓ Move off with your inside foot. Take small steps and walk at the
casualty’s pace.
✓ Reassure the casualty as you move.
✓ If his/her upper limbs are uninjured and the other hand is free, the
casualty may obtain additional help from a second supporter, or by using
a walking stick.
Cradle Carry
• Used when lightweight casualties are
unable to walk.
• Lift the casualty by passing one of your
arms beneath both the knees, with the
casualty’s neck resting on the bend of the
elbow of your other arm.
Fig. 101 – Cradle Carry
Fireman’s Carry
✓ If the casualty’s injuries permit, longer distances can be travelled with
the casualty carried over your shoulder.
✓ Help the casualty to stand.
✓ Grasp casualty’s right/left wrist with
your left/right hand.
✓ Squat down with your head under
his/her extended right/left arm so
that your right/left shoulder is level
with the lower part of casualty’s
abdomen; and place your right/left
arm between or around his/her legs.
✓ Taking the weight on your right/left
shoulder, rise to a standing position.
✓ Pull the casualty across both Fig. 102 – Fireman’s Carry
shoulders and transfer his/her
right/left wrist to your right/left hand, leaving your other hand free.
✓ DO NOT use this method if the casualty is heavier/bigger than you.
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Pick-a-Back Carry
✓ When injuries make the fireman’s
carry unsafe, this method is used
✓ Crouch in front of the conscious
casualty, with your back to him
✓ Ask the casualty to put his arms over
your shoulders and clasp his hands in
front of you
✓ Grasp the casualty’s thighs and rise
slowly, keeping your back straight.
Fig. 103 – Pick-a-Back Carry
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✓ To clasp their hands together, the first aider on the left of the casualty
faces his palm upwards whilst the first aider on the right faces his palm
downwards
✓ To prevent their fingernails from hurting each other’s hand, a folded
handkerchief can be used as a buffer
✓ The first aiders then rise together and step off, the one on the right side
with his right foot and the one on the left side with his/her left foot.
Fore-and-Aft Carry
✓ One First Aider carries the casualty
below the armpits, holding onto the
linked forearms of the casualty.
✓ The second First Aider carries the
casualty at the knees.
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Improvised Methods
Chair Carry
✓ A useful method when a conscious casualty without any serious injuries,
is to be transported along narrow passageways or up/down the stairs.
✓ A kitchen/dinning chair that is strong enough to take the casualty’s
weight should be used.
✓ The casualty should be seated on the
chair and supported by First Aiders at
the front and rear.
✓ The casualty and the chair are then
slowly tilted backwards at a slight
angle (about 30 degrees) and lifted.
✓ One First Aider should support the
back of the chair with the casualty on
it; the other should hold the chair by
the front legs and move carefully down
the stairs.
✓ If the staircase or passageway is wide
Fig. 107 – Chair Carry
enough, the First Aiders can stand at
the sides of the chair, each supporting a
back and front leg.
Blanket/Sheet Pull
✓ Roll the casualty onto a blanket/sheet
and pull it from behind casualty’s head.
✓ DO NOT use this method over rough or
bumpy surfaces.
Fig. 108 – Blanket/Sheet Pull
Other materials or methods can be considered for use if time, resources and
casualty’s condition allow for it.
➢ Wheeled chair
➢ Make-shift stretcher
➢ Wheel barrow/Trolley cart
➢ Three rescuers carry
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