Starting today we have another special series, #firstaidinthekitchen, because once you enter the kitchen there are maximum chances to burn/cut /hit /slip etc., that is why you have to be prepared both to prevent accidents and especially to give quick first aid when the situation calls for it.
In my list of personal disasters, burns are at the forefront. ๐ And obviously I’m not talking about burning cakes now, but about burning different parts of my body. ๐ Like the tongue, when I was impatient to wait for the food to cool down or my fingers and/ or arms when I used the oven. Luckily I haven’t spilled any hot pots on me yet, but there’s still time. ๐
Areas where you can burn are the stove, the electric hob, the oven, including the microwave, the toaster and so on in combination with various pots, pans, saucepans, lids, spoons, etc.
The easiest way is to prevent burns. ๐ Therefore, be careful and do not rush when working with open fire. Avoid hot steam areas (when you open the oven or remove the lid from the pot). Use kitchen towels or gloves. If you have to taste hot liquids, wait for it to cool (e.g. pour a few tablespoons of liquid into a large plate to speed up the cooling process, then taste). Be careful how you place the dishes on the stove, so that you do not go with them or they do not fall on you. ๐
If you happen to get burned, first aid means immediately cooling the area with cold water (or gel patches, if you have one at hand) and, if necessary, covering it with a patch or bandaging it with a sterile dressing. Cooling the burn helps to reduce pain, reduce edema, prevent possible infections and reduce the depth of the burn. If you have blisters, do not break them. The use of ice is not recommended as it may damage the tissue. Aloe vera and bee honey can be applied to minor wounds, after pre-cooling the tissue and can help speed up the recovery process (if you are a fan of these products and use them regularly, otherwise beware of any allergies, etc.).
Salt, egg whites, grated potatoes and other folk remedies are not recommended (they can lead to infection of the affected area).
The larger the burn area, or the deeper the burn (not just redness – 1st degree burns – but blisters – 2nd degree burns – or charred tissue – 3rd degree burns), or the more we burn the more sensitive areas (e.g. eyes), the more necessary it is to quickly call the emergency services or the family doctor who will know where to guide you.
—
As a general idea, at least once in your life you should take a practical first aid course at the Red Cross or elsewhere (ask beforehand if the course is only theoretical or has a practical part). Also, you should have a mini first aid kit on hand – you never know when you’ll need it. ๐
—
Bibliography: European First Aid Manual, 2006; International First Aid and Resuscitation Guidelines, IFRC, 2016.
—
Learn first aid to have time for real kitchen disasters. ๐ See destroyed recipes here. ๐ If you are passionate about reading, join the #cookingbookclub here. ๐ If you try the recipe, don’t forget to post pictures on our facebook page.