BURNS
With all burns, you must determine what degree of a burn it is in order to treat it properly. If your skin goes red and it’s only for a moment – it’s usually a first degree burn. If your skin blisters or cracks, then most likely you have a second degree burn. Anything worse than a small blister you should probably seek medical attention as soon as possible.
From your oven or a “dry” burn: Run cold water on the affected area for 5 minutes if it’s a first degree burn. If it’s a second degree, 10-15 minutes. Most burns occur on your hands and arms, but if it’s some place else that’s difficult to keep under the water – use a damp cold cloth.
From boiling water: Use the same method as above, 5-15 minute depending on the severity of the burn.
From oil: Using the same method as above, but for 10-15 minutes. When it’s cool, apply a clean damp cloth to the wound. Apply burn cream or a small amount of lotion (to keep the oil burn moisturized and preventing further tissue damage)
DO NOT:
-Apply Ice directly on the burn because it may cause frost bite or further traumatize burnt tissue.
-Apply lotion of cream to dry burns or to third degree (Very severe) burns.
FOR SEVERE BURNS: Seek medical attention as soon as possible. DO NOT apply any lotions, oils or RUN COLD WATER on a large burn. Cover the area with sterile moist bandages or towels. Separate any burned fingers and cover them with sterilize gauze.
Tips for Boiling/Handling Oil/Oven Usage:
-Use an insulated oven mitt for handling hot items – kitchen rags will not suffice
-Remove any distractions (music, telephone, videos etc) and don’t try to do two things at once when handling hot items (like talking!)
-Use a longer cooking utensil for any boiling or oil usage
-Use a splatter guard when frying
-Don’t toss things into boiling water or oil – gently place them into the pot/pan to avoid splashes
-When heating oil, do not drop in frozen/ice covered items to deep fry when the oil is very hot
CUTS
Distractions, slippery hands, dull knives are some common factors in accidentally cutting yourself. The third paragraph below is a bit graphic- so be warned!***
If you’ve cut yourself and it barely breaks skin, you’re very lucky. Wash off the knife and cut slower.
However if you’ve sliced yourself and you’re bleeding – its best to let it bleed out. DO NOT SQUEEZE blood out of your wound because that may damage your tissue and will slow down the rate of healing.
***If you’re bleeding profusely or have a deep cut or even worse (a finger?) – seek medical help RIGHT AWAY. Wrap the wound in a bandage to create a tight tourniquet (slowing down the flow of blood). If you did indeed lose a finger or worse, toss it into a bag of ice and bring it along with you to the hospital – it could still be saved.
Some Tips on Cutting Food:
-Some chefs bend their fingers over while chopping but I find this kinda strange because you could just as easily cut the middle of your finger, and the tips of your fingers are used for better dexterity and grip.
-Use a food processor if you can
-Cut with the sharpest part of the knife – normally the middle is the dullest part (being used to so much), try using the back of the knife for more solidarity and a sharper cut.
-When cutting use a board that has traction
I hope you found these tips helpful and please be careful when making your delicious food!!
