Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/642978
White phosphorus is a substance which de- grades and self-ignites (in the solid state al- ready in the room temperature, and in the pow- dered form almost immediately) – heating up to 1300oC. Probably, we must not explain a dev- astation made by white phosphorus? But it is not all! Its gases are strongly toxic and a fume, a product of combustion white phosphorus – strongly caustic. In the natural conditions, white phosphorus is stored and portioned under the water surface because rubbing it results in its self-ignition. In the case of proving first aid to a person burnt by white phosphorus you should keep in mind that it is very difficult to extinguish and simulta- neously it MUST NOT be extinguished with wa- ter. Phosphorus should be cut from an oxygen supply and at the same time, secured in the hu- mid environment. It solid form – if such still re- mains on the body/clothes, should be removed, using such devices as, for example a knife. Solutions Nowadays, on the market there are multi- ple available solutions dedicated to cooling down the burnt parts of the body without current water. These are called hydrogels, which can be divided into solid and semi-fluid. I will allow myself to present only those that I own and use every day what enables me to evaluate them (for interested persons – please see the web sites of the concerned manufacturers in order to red about con- ducted researches and tests of their prod- ucts). KIKGEL The solid hydrogels are characterized by a structure of hard/solid gel. They are available in the different dimensions (depending on the burn size) in the civilian emergency and mili- tary versions (silver or green packaging color). It dissipates heat quite quickly, and an appli- cation of this dressing makes no problems. It is safe to carry in the individual and team first aid kits and it is resistant to impacts, crushing and multiple bending. The advantage of solid gels is, among others, a possibility to place, e.g. on a burnt face of the unconscious person what makes no dan- ger to flow down to a mouth what could lead to airway obstruction. Furthermore, it is also possible to cut pieces of the hydrogel intend- ed for the flat body areas (cheek, forehead, ear region) and support it by a dressing mesh (like Codofix). Unfortunately, in comparison with semi-flu- id gels, they more slowly dissipate the heat www.fragoutmag.com