Common Household Injuries – Part 2

In our previous article we started discussing common injuries around the house, specifically bruises, sprains and cuts, fractures and dislocations, and choking. Now we will continue with more common household injuries such as burns, poisoning and drowning.

Burns – Fires, stove plates, hot drinks, chemicals, etc. The list of how burn injuries can occur around the house is quite extensive. The kitchen does tend to be the main area where burn injuries can occur since heat is used in multiple places to help cook food and prepare drinks. Judging the seriousness of a burn injury can sometimes be tough, but here are some signs to look for. The difference between a first-degree burn and a second-degree burn can be judged as follows: a first-degree burn will only affect the outer layer of the skin, it will be red and swollen, but the texture will feel dry. A second-degree has two types: Superficial partial thickness burns will affect the surface and secondary layer of skin, it will be red and blistered and moist to the touch. With both these types of burns, as long as they are relatively small and does not cover a large portion of skin, treatment is fairly simple; you can apply cold, running, fresh water and a burn dressing or topical antibiotic cream and give the patient painkillers. Second-degree burns with deep partial thickness will extend deeper into the skin and have a yellow or white appearance with possible blistering and a fairly dry texture. This kind of burn may lead to scarring, and shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue in the area. Professional medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible for this type of burn injury. Third-degree full thickness burns goes deep into all the layers of the skin and usually has a white or brown appearance, general stiffness of the area, and a leathery feel, but no pain as the nerves have been burned as well. Medical treatment should be sought immediately to prevent any further complications from this type of burn such as scarring, shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue in the area, and even possible amputation or tissue removal. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and happen when the burn has extended through all the layers of the skin as well as the underlying fat, muscle, and even bone. The burn will appear black and charred and it will also be painless. Immediate hospitalization and treatment will have to be applied and the necessary treatment may include amputation and removal of the affected tissue.

Poisoning – In the same way as choking occurs in children, so can poisoning. Children can be poisoned by ingesting cleaning chemicals, prescription medicines, cosmetics, and plants in the garden. Adults are also at risk from poisoning mostly through the inadvertent use of medications which may have been transferred to other bottles, food poisoning from contaminated food, fumes poisoning such as carbon monoxide from vehicles and gas or chemical fumes from cleaning agents, and poisoning from pesticides or other insecticides. Poisoning often also occurs from insect stings and animal bites. If you think someone has been poisoned, call your local poison control centre and seek immediate medical attention.

Drowning – Unintentional drowning is the third leading cause of accidental injury resulting in death worldwide and, in many countries, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under 12 years old. You can drown in as little as 3cm of water, and freshwater drownings account for nearly 90% of all drowning incidents. Small children, mentally or physically handicapped persons, intoxicated persons, and people with any form of impairment should always be closely monitored around pools, rivers, and other bodies of water. Baths, toilets, buckets, and even puddles also pose a risk of drowning and should be considered as hazardous. The first step with a case of drowning will be to get the person out of the water. CPR – CardioPulmonary Resuscitation – should only be applied by a person who has been trained to perform the procedure correctly as incorrect application of CPR may actually cause a type of blunt force trauma to the person’s torso, possibly resulting in a fractured sternum or ribs. The best procedure for drowning incidents is to call Emergency Medical Services or paramedics to the scene as quickly as possible to attend to the victim and attempt resuscitation.

The important thing to remember with any household injuries is to stay calm, assess the injury carefully, and decide on the right course of action. Seeking professional medical attention is by far the best way to deal with household injuries as the correct diagnosis and treatment will then be ensured.