Can Water-Jel be used on both thermal and chemical burns?
Yes, but they must be handled differently. The first principle in treating a thermal burn is to put out the fire and cool the burn wound to stop the burning process; if the victim is unconscious, the presence of a pulse and airway should be established early on. A Water-Jel blanket puts out the fire and cools the burn without removing the clothing, and the victim can be transported in the blanket. In contrast, the first principle in chemical burns is to remove the offending agent with copious and continued irrigation with water or saline. Generally, no attempt should be made to neutralize the chemical agent since that will waste precious time. The clothing must be removed completely and quickly in a chemical burn, as clothing serves as a reservoir for the offending agent. Also check the chemical’s MSDS. Once the chemical agent has been flushed thoroughly, Water-Jel can be used to provide pain relief and protection.
