The nature of Burns

• Burns are a type of soft tissue injuries that occur when the body comes in contact with heat, certain chemicals, extreme cold, radiation and electricity long enough to cause damage.

• Burns can cause serious infection because the skin has two main layers the outer layer Epidermis and the inner layer the Dermis, burns cause damage to remove the outer layer therefore the outer protection of the body becomes breached and the risk of infection is greatly increased.

• Burns can also be life threatening because if the burn is large enough and deep enough, fluid loss and pain can cause life-threatening shock.

Sources Of Burns

• There are many sources of burns such as; flames, hot objects, hot air, hot water and steam, chemicals, radiation, electricity and cold.

THERMAL BURNS

• These Include• Flame and Scald: Remove any covering

material, especially when there is no running water available. Make sure no hot water is within the victims skin folds.

• Inhalation: Inhalation of hot gases or flames can burn along the respiratory track the causes swelling and possible airway obstruction. To manage this seek urgent medical aid, conduct a primary survey.

THERMAL BURNS Continued…..

• Electrical and Lightning Burns: Electrical burns are caused by faulty or misuse of electrical appliances. When managing electrical burns make sure there are no dangers, when possible the power should be turned off before approaching victim. During electrical storms, you should stay clear of tall trees or poles, bodies of water, metallic machinery and objects, and hilltops

• Chemical Burns: sources of chemical burns include household cleaning agents, pool chemicals, gardening and farm sprays, car batteries and other chemicals. Insure children cannot access these chemical. Alkali burns are more serious than acid burns as they penetrate the body further.

When Ambulance Attendance Is Recommended

Ambulance attendance is recommended for:

• A flame or scald burn the size of a victims palm

• Any flame or scald burn involving the hands, face, perineum or genitals

• Any chemical burns• Any electrical burns• Any burns with suspected

respiratory tract involvement• Any infant or child with burns

should be medically assessed

Categories Of Burns• There are three types of

burns:• SUPERFICIAL-

Superficial burns only have the top layer of skin involved.

• PARTIAL THICKNESS- Partial thickness burns involve the top layer of skin and part of the next layer.

• FULL THICKNESS- Full thickness burns include outer layers and inner layers, with a possibility of the underlining subcutaneous tissue also being affected.

The Signs & Symptoms Associated With Burns

TYPE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

SUPERFICIAL •REDNESS•PAIN

PARTIAL THICKNESS •SEVERE PAIN•REDNESS•WEEPING FROM BURN•BLISTERING•CLEAR FLUID

FULL THICKNESS •PAINLESS•CRACKED & DRY•WHITE OR CHARRED COLOUR

Primary Management Techniques For Burns

• Conduct Primary Survey (DRABCD)• Immediately cool the affected area

with water for up to 20 minutes.• Only affected areas should be cooled

due to the danger of overcooling the victim.

• This is of greater concern with infants & children

• Remove all rings, watches and other jewellery from affected area

• Elevate burnt limbs where feasible • Cover the burnt area with a clean,

sterile lint-free dressing• Call an ambulance with more severe

injuries, especially electrical injuries, large burns or with smoke inhalation.

DO NOT……….

• Peel off adherent clothing

• Burst Blisters

• Apply Ointments or lotions

• Use ice or ice water

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Information Websites:• Wikipedia (no date). Burns. (Online)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn Retrieved 18/08/08

• Medicine net (no date). Burns. (Online)

http://www.medicinenet.com/burns/article.htm Retrieved 18/08/08

• LPCH (no date). Disease health info: Burns (Online)

http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/burns/classify.html Retrieved 19/08/08

• Health in site (no date). Burns & Scalds (Online)

http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Burns_and_Scalds Retrieved 19/08/08

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Information Books:

Lippmann, J. and Natoli, D. (2006) Royal Life Saving Society Australia: First Aid. Submariner: Ashburton

BIBLIOGRAPHYImages Websites:• Wikipedia (no date). Burns. (Online)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn Retrieved 18/08/08• MDA (no date). Emergency transport. (Online)http://mda.messedusseldorf.com/mda_cms/images/hospiAustralia/emergency-Tranpsort-

Tech.gif Retrieved 18/08/08• scdf (no date). Treating burns. (Online)www.scdf.gov.sg Retrieved 19/08/08• Sowrock(no date). Electricity (Online)www.sowrock.com Retrieved 19/08/08• French quarter radiation free (no date). Radiation. (Online)www.frenchquarterradiationfree.com Retrieved 19/08/08• Trekearth (no date). Flame (Online)www.trekearth.com Retrieved 19/08/08• dtsc (no date). Chemicals. (Online)www.dtsc.ca.gov Retrieved 19/08/08• ispub (no date). burns (Online)www.ispub.com Retrieved 19/08/08