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.