FACT SHEET
Fire & Smoke First Aid Tips from St John
INJURIES FROM FIRE AND SMOKE INHALATION
Fires are an all too common event. They can occur in your home, at a barbecue, at work or even in your car. Fires can be dangerous events and there are many factors that need to be considered for first aid management. The following conditions need to be checked for and managed:
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Asphyxia (lack of oxygen) noted by a blue appearance to the skin
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Carbon monoxide poisoning, where the skin is usually pink and flushed, may see the casualty complain of headaches, dizziness and confusion.
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Poisoning from the inhalation of gases given off by plastics or synthetic building materials may create certain signs and symptoms. The signs include black carbon particles seen in the mouth or coughed up by the casualty. The symptoms consist of difficult breathing as well as gasping for air.
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Burns to the airway, noted by facial burns and singed hair of the eyebrows, head or nose.
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Irritation to the respiratory tract and eyes from smoke and chemical fumes.
If you have to provide first aid in the situation of a fire, consider the following:
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Never attempt a rescue where you will be personally in danger as you don't want to become a casualty yourself and remember to check for danger to the bystanders and casualty.
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If someone else is present send for medical aid immediately, call '000'
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Check for response — is the casualty conscious?
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Clear the airway of any foreign objects if necessary
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If the throat is inflamed an ice pack should be loosely applied
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If the casualty has been burnt, run the burn under cold water for 10 minutes and if the burn is larger that a 20 cent piece seek medical aid.
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If casualty shows no signs of life, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Do not begin CPR if your safety is jeopardised.
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Continue CPR until ambulance arrives or casualty recovers.
To improve fire safety in your home, consider the following: Are smoke detectors installed in your home? Do you have a fire extinguisher in a central place? Try to contain open flames such as fireplaces or candles, don't leave teatowels near hot plates, have a fire blanket in the kitchen for use on burning fat. Always be aware of mechanical sparks from tools in the garage, replace frayed electrical equipment, don't smoke in bed and always have electric blankets and portable heaters checked each winter.
First aid is a practical skill. This information is from Australian First Aid Manual, St. John Ambulance's authoritative text on first aid in Australia, and has been provided as a guide only. It is not a substitute for a St. John first aid course.
For More Information:
Call Customer Service on 1300 360 455
