How to provide first aid in case of fire? Recommendations of the Ministry of Health
Why smoke is more dangerous than flames and how to help the victim before the ambulance arrives? Read the recommendations of doctors to save people in a fire.
The Ministry of Health of Belarus gave recommendations on first aid in case of fire. The main fire hazards are open flames, high temperature, thick smoke and toxic substances released during combustion. At the same time, the greatest threat is not so much fire as inhalation of smoke. This can cause poisoning, disorientation, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest.
In case of fire, the victim may need help due to poisoning by combustion products, burns of the skin and respiratory tract, breathing disorders or its stop, fainting, injuries sustained during a fall or evacuation, as well as due to panic and shock. It is recommended to provide first aid as soon as possible, but only after assessing the safety of the scene.
If you find the victim, first call the emergency services on 112, 103 or 101, indicating the exact address, the number of victims and the nature of the incident.
“If it is safe, remove or remove the victim from the danger zone into fresh air. You cannot put yourself and others at risk. Evaluate the condition of the person: the presence of consciousness and normal breathing, signs of burns, injuries and heavy bleeding, the Ministry of Health added.
If the victim has lost consciousness and is not breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately and continue until signs of life appear or doctors arrive.
For burns, stop exposure to heat, gently cool the affected area with clean cold water if possible, and apply a sterile or clean bandage. In no case do not open the bubbles, do not tear off the adhering clothes and do not apply oils, creams or ointments.
In case of smoke poisoning, provide the victim with access to fresh air, remove constraining clothing from the neck and chest, monitor breathing and do not leave the person alone until the arrival of doctors. If the victim is unconscious but breathing, put him in a stable lateral position, controlling breathing. If you suspect a spinal injury and no threat to life, do not move the victim unnecessarily.
On September 24, a Single Safety Day was held in Belarus, aimed at teaching proper behavior in case of fire and first aid.
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