Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Radiation burns These burns are caused by energy radiating from a source and can damage the skin and eyes. Sunburn and snow blindness are forms of radiant burns and can be caused by both natural objects (the sun) and man made objects (tanning beds, welding torch). X-rays and nuclear material can also cause radiation burns. Treat X-ray and nuclear radiation burns as thermal burns and get medical help.

Determining the severity of a burn can be difficult even for hospital personnel. Seek medical assessment and help for all but the mildest of burns.

Patches to both eyes for radiation burns to the eye(s)

First aid for radiant burns to the eyes • Stop the source of burning. Cover the patient’s eyes to keep the light out. • Reassure the patient during this period of temporary blindness. • Get medical help.

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