Why First Aid must be part of any Fire Stunt SAfety Certification Course

As a leading provider of Stunt Training and Safety Courses, The International Stunt Academy is committed to ensuring the safety of all performers and crew involved in fire stunts. One of the key components of The ISA's Fire Stunt Safety Course and Certification (valid for 2 years) is burn identification and first aid. In this article, we will explain why this training is essential, as well as provide guidance on how to correctly identify the severity of a burn and take appropriate action.

Why Burn Identification and First Aid Training is Essential as part of learning  Fire Stunt Performance

Fire stunts, if performed correctly, are actually relatively easy and low risk (when compared to some other types of work). That said, they involve an incredibly high level of risk, so performers who participate in these stunts need to be aware of the potential dangers, how to mitigate them and must learn to maintain extreme levels of self awareness and discipline.

Burn injuries are a common risk associated with fire stunts, and performers need to know how to identify the severity of a burn and how to provide appropriate first aid.  This article doesn't go into the level of detail our course does (or it would take you a few days to read it), but it does start to explain some of the headlines.

The purpose of burn identification and first aid training is to ensure that performers have the skills and knowledge needed to quickly and effectively respond to a burn injury. By providing this training, we can help prevent further injury or complications and potentially save lives.

Identifying the Severity of a Burn
When it comes to burn injuries, there are three primary levels of severity: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns.

First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the mildest form of burn injury and affect only the outer layer of skin. Symptoms of a first-degree burn may include redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the injury. Typically, first-degree burns do not require medical attention and can be treated with home remedies such as cool water or aloe vera.

Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns are more severe and affect both the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath. Symptoms of a second-degree burn may include blisters, redness, and swelling. These types of burns can be treated with home remedies, but medical attention may be required in more severe cases.

Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe form of burn injury and affect all layers of the skin, as well as potentially underlying tissues and organs. Symptoms of a third-degree burn may include charred skin, numbness, and severe pain. Third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention and may require surgical treatment.

Taking Action
If you or someone else suffers a burn injury, it is essential to take the appropriate action based on the severity of the burn. When considering what the appropriate action we should also consider the skills and qualifications of the person providing First Aid. In addition to this, when dealing with professionals who's body is the tool for their trade, we recommend extra caution. For anything other than a mild burn we always recommend a paramedic or hospital assess the injury for severity and to ensure the correct advice is given.   For example, if you over-cool a burn site, you will reduce blood flow to the injury and this will inhibit healing and may increase the severity of the injury. 

For first-degree burns, you can treat the injury with home remedies such as cool water, aloe vera, or over-the-counter pain medication.

For second-degree burns, you can also use home remedies, but medical attention may be required in more severe cases.

For third-degree burns, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to remove clothing or other materials stuck to the burned area, and do not apply any creams or ointments. Cover the affected area with a clean, dry cloth or dressing and seek medical attention immediately.

At The International Stunt Academy, we take fire stunt safety seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of all performers involved in these stunts. Burn identification and first aid training are essential components of our fire stunt safety course, and we encourage all performers to become familiar with the severity of burns and how to take appropriate action in case of a burn injury. By providing this training, we can help minimize the risk of injury and ensure that performers can continue to safely execute fire stunts.