FIRST AID FOR BURN

Presented by:SabitaPoudelB.Sc Nursing 2ndyear,2010

BURN INJURY IS CAUSED BY

Dry heat, sun, electric current, lightening, radiation, chemicals, acid, alkalis(lime, soda, potash etc)

A scald is an injury caused by moist heat: boiling water, steam, hot oil etc.

The effects of burn and scald are same.

TYPES OF BURN ON THE BASIS OF CAUSE OF INJURY:

DRY BURNS: Flames, lighted cigarettes and electrical equipments such as iron are common causes of burns

SCALDS: Steam, hot water produces scalds.

CHEMICAL BURNS:Acids and alkalis causes it.

ELECTRICAL BURNS: Electric currents and lightening generate heat and burn skin.

RADIATION BURNS: Sunrays, light reflected and overexposure to X-rays can cause such type of burn.

SCALE FOR DETERMINING % OF BODY BURNSPart of body % of burnFACE 9%

NECK 1%

CHEST 9%

ABDOMEN 9%

BACK 9%

BUTTOCKS 9%

HANDS 18%(BOTH)

THIGHS 18%(BOTH)

LEGS 18%(BOTH)

TOTAL 100%

DEGREES OF BURN:

Burns are classified according to degree, that is the depth to which the body tissues are injured.

First degree: Simple erythema or reddening of the skin is present. Also there is swelling. The skin remains intact.

Second degree: There is erythema and destruction of the epidermis with blister formation. Deep layer of skin is destroyed, but

regeneration of the epithelium is possible.

• Third degree: It involves destruction of the full thickness of the skin. Also there is a deeper destruction of the tissue.

Nomenclatureial

Layer involved

Appearance

texture

sensation

Time to healing

complication

1st degree

Epider-mis

redness

dry painful 1st week or less

none

2nd degree(superficial partial thickness)

Extend into superficial(dermis)

Red with clear blister

Moist painful 2-3 wks

Local infection or cellulitis

Nomenclature

Layer involved

appearance

texture

sensation

Time to healing

complication

2nd degree(deep partial thickness)

Extends into deep (reticular )dermis

Red n white with bloody blisters

moist painful Weks may progress to 3rd degree

Scarring,contractures

3rd degree(full thickness)

Extend through entire dermis

Stiff and white brown

Dry ,leathery

painless

Requires excision

Scarring,contractures,amputation

SYMPTOMS:

The skin becomes red, and blisters are formed, tissues gets damaged, but it depends upon cause and severity of the burn.

There is a severe pain. Sometimes skin becomes black. The victim is restless and thirsty. The victim goes into psychogenic shock.

FIRST AID FOR BURNS AND SCARSA. FOR MINOR CASES: Reassure the casualty: Place the injured

part under slowly running water(or) immerse it in cold water for at least 10 minutes and if no water is available then use any cold harmless liquid such as milk or cool drinks.

Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes or other constricting clothing from the injured area before it starts to swell.

Dress the area with clean, preferably sterile dressings.

Do not break blisters, remove any loose skin.

Do not apply lotions, ointments or fat to the injury.

o Do not use adhesive dressings.

o If in about the severity of the injury-seek medical aid.

B. FOR SEVERE CASES: Lay the casualty down. Protect the

burnt area from contact with the ground if possible. If the burnt area is still hot, carefully pour jugs of water or suitable cold liquid over the burnt area

Gently remove any rings, watches, belts or constricting clothing from the injured area before it starts to swell.

Cover the injured area with a sterile dressing or secure with a bandage.

For facial burns, cool with water until pain is relieved.

Do not remove anything sticking to a burn.

Do not apply lotions, ointments or fats to the injury.

Remove rings, bracelets and any other tight fitting clothes and articles.

Give small drinks at frequent intervals. It will prevent the dehydration.

BURNS IN THE MOUTH AND THROAT

Burns to the mouth and throat usually result from drinking very hot liquid , swallowing corrosive chemicals or inhaling very hot air. These injuries are very serious because the tissues in the throat swell quickly and can close the airway making it difficult.

FIRST AID

Reassure the casualty. If she is conscious, give her sips of cold

water at frequent intervals. Remove any constricting clothing or

jewellery from her neck and chest. If she becomes unconscious: Open her airway and check breathing. Complete the ABC of resuscitation if

necessary.

Place in the recovery position.

To minimize shock, treat as for shock.

Arrange urgent removal to hospital, maintaining the treatment position.

CHEMICAL BURN TO THE EYE

Any chemical in the eye, including lime, cement and battery fluid should be washed out immediately with large quantities of water.

Make the patient lie down, then gently pour cupful of water into the inner corner of the eye, letting it run to the other side, continue this process until the chemical is removed.

Then put several drops of castor oil into the eye. Cover with a sterile compress and get a doctor at once.

ELECTRICAL BURN

Donot go near the victim unless you are sure the power source has turned off.

If the victim is unconscious ,check vitals . Cover the electrical burn with dressing

THANK YOU