Treating burns
As much of central east Victoria fights for its life in the face of the worst bushfires the nation has seen in history, our hearts must go out to all involved this Summer 2009. This will include the masses of helpless wildlife falling victim to Australia’s greatest enemy.
As a dry and open country, Australia has always been prey to fire. It serves to renew and reawaken senescent bushland and plains but in its wake it also takes the lives of many caught in its path. Those who survive can need major assistance.
I was heartened to hear of the massive rescue efforts of countless hundreds of volunteers who try to help the animals who have no escape. It is a miracle that any of them survive but I long ago came to realise the indomitability of some of Australias native animals.
They are as tough and resilient as the nation they inhabit. They can climb and burrow and swim unlike many other species.
Whilst the majority of the animals injured will have been humanely destroyed or have died naturally, those who sustain lesser degree injuries can often be nursed.
Shock and smoke damage to eyes and lungs is a major threat.
Many native Australian animals have thick oily fur to assist heat repulsion but their feet and extremities can be badly burnt. Sheep are also less susceptible owing to their wool but with badly burnt feet they are unable to survive.
Remedies that are essential for burns victims are;
Rescue remedy: Bach flower essence to allay shock. Given as drops or spray to mucous membranes (mouth usually) half hourly then as required. Shock is the biggest threat to survival. Australian Bush Essence equivalent is Emergency Essence.
Mulla Mulla: Australian Bush Essence for distress in fires and heat.This can be used in conjunction with emergency essence.
Colloidal silver: Most burns preparations throughout history had silver in them. This is nature’s antibiotic and healing agent par excellence for burns. The koala rescue team are now bandaging the feet of koalas with wet sponges of colloidal silver to good effect. Used topically and preferably under a cover this will greatly increase survival.
Covering burns: Undoubtedly one of the most important first aid moves is to ensure that burns are covered and that body water is not lost through broken skin. Next to shock, dehydration is the biggest killer. We use glad wrap in people but any bandaging is effective if it is moist.
Homeopathically, the best first line of treatment if found early is to gradually cool the victim. Despite popular belief that this is best done with cold applications, by far a more successful technique is to use warm to very warm water to bath and soak burns. Whilst this may sound contrary it will enable the shocked system to adjust much more effectively and will preserve skin better than further shocking with cold. A gradual return to normality will enhance survival and minimise shock and scarring.
Remedies that will be very useful are Cantharis in high potency, up to 10M given frequently for the first few hours, Arnica orally for shock and infection control with Calendula topically, Apis and or Carbo veg if lung oedema is present. There are many other helpful remedies but if these ones are available they can certainly save lives.
I would like to thank all those who are toiling tirelessly to ensure that the devastation is minimised and send tribute to all those whose lives are touched by this recent disaster.
