Chapter 11

Burns

Burns

• An estimated 2 million burn injuries occur each year in the United States, resulting in 75,000 hospitalization and more than 3000 deaths.

• It is estimated that about 70% of all burn injuries occur inside the home.

• Skin death and injury occur as the applied heat exceeds the body’s ability to disperse the heat.

Types of Burns

• Thermal (heat) burns

• Chemical burns

• Electrical burns

Thermal Burns• Contact with flames, hot objects, hot

liquid, and steam are common causes of burns.

• Just 3 seconds of exposure to water at 140ºF can cause a full-thickness burn in an adult.

• At 156ºF, the same burn occurs in one second.

Evaluating a Thermal Burn (1 of 2)

• Determine the depth (degree).

• First-degree (superficial)

• Second-degree (partial thickness)

• Third-degree (full thickness)

• Determine the extent (Rule of palm).

• Determine which parts of body are burned.

Evaluating a Thermal Burn (2 of 2)

• Determine whether other injuries or medical conditions exist, or if the patient is elderly or very young.

• Determine the severity of the burn.

Care for Thermal Burns

• Stop the burning process.• If clothing is burning, have the

victim drop and roll. • Smother the flames with a blanket

or douse the victim with water.• Once the fire is extinguished, remove

all hot clothing. • Remove jewelry if possible.

• Monitor the victim’s breathing.

Recognizing First-Degree Burns (Superficial)

• Redness

• Mild swelling

• Tenderness

• Pain

Care for First-Degree Burns

• Immerse the burned area in cold water or apply a wet, cold cloth.

• Administer ibuprofen to relieve pain.

• Have the victim drink as much water as possible.

• After the burn is cooled, apply aloe vera.

• Raise a burned arm or leg to reduce swelling.

Recognizing Second-Degree Burns(Partial Thickness)

• Blisters

• Swelling

• Weeping fluids

• Intense pain

Care for Small Second-Degree Burns

• Immerse the burned area in cold water.• Administer ibuprofen to relieve pain.• Have the victim drink as much water as possible.• After a burn has been cooled, apply a thin layer

of an antibiotic ointment. • Cover the burn with a dry, nonsticking, sterile

dressing.• Seek medical care for burns covering more than

20% of the BSA in adults, or 10-20% in children or elderly.

Care for Large Second-Degree Burns

• Do not apply cold because it could cause hypothermia.

• Cover the burn with a dry, nonstick, sterile dressing.

• Treat victim for shock.

• Seek medical care.

Third-Degree Burns(Full Thickness)

• Dead nerve endings

• Leathery, waxy skin

• Pearly gray or charred skin

Care for Third-Degree Burns

• It usually is not necessary to apply cold to third-degree burns because pain is absent.

• Cover the burn with a dry, nonsticking, sterile dressing.

• Treat victim for shock.

• Seek medical care.

Chemical Burns

• A chemical burn is the result of a caustic or corrosive substance touching the skin.

• They continue to burn as long as they are in contact with the skin; remove quickly.

• First aid is the same for all chemical burns.

Care for Chemical Burns

• Flush skin with water.

• Remove contaminated clothing.

• Flush for 20 minutes or longer.

• Cover burn.• Seek medical care.

Electrical Burns

• Thermal burn (flame)

• Arc burn (flash)

• True electrical injury (contact)

Care for Electrical Burns

• Make the scene safe.

• Monitor breathing and treat accordingly.

• If victim fell, check for a spinal injury.

• Treat victim for shock.

• Place blankets under and over victim.

• Seek immediate medical care.

Contact With Electrical Current

• If there are downed power lines, turn off power before approaching patient.

• If you feel a tingling sensation in your legs as you approach the victim, stop.

• If you can safely reach the victim, do not attempt to move any wires.

• Do not attempt to move downed wires unless you are trained and equipped.