Lesson 10: Burns

Objectives Define types of burn injuries Define and demonstrate proper management of superficial, partial thickness, and full thickness burns Describe situations that require evacuation Identify ways to prevent burns

Types of Burns Heat Fires Boiling water Steam Hot pot Melting substances such as plastic Others?

Burns

Burns

Burns

Frostbite (burn from cold)

Types of Burns Chemical Pesticides Chemical fuels Battery acid Others?

Chemical Burn

Types of Burns Electrical Radiation Electrical current Lightning Sun Nuclear

Electrical Burns

Depth of Burns

Degree of Burn (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Preventing Burns What steps can be taken to Prevent burns Heat: Cook in designated areas and limit access Position stove so there is easy escape route Never use open flame in tent Use caution around campfire

Preventing Burns Chemical Follow label directions for safe use Electrical Take precautions to avoid lightning Radiation Use sunscreen Wear UV blocking clothing Extra precautions needed for high altitude and near water/snow

Checking and Caring for Burns STOP the Burning! Remove source of the burning Cool affect area Be suspicious of Airway complications if: Burns are to face/neck Soot is in the mouth/nose Singed facial hair Dry cough that accompanies burn

Stop the Burn How do you stop the Burning? Heat Electrical Remove from heat source Smother flames Flush with large amounts of water Electrical Turn off electricity

Stop the Burn Radiation Chemical Get out of direct Sun Remove Chemical (brush off if dry chemical) Flush with large amounts of water Radiation Get out of direct Sun Flush with water

Checking Burns Specific care depends upon source and depth Signs and Symptoms Superfical Skin is red and painful Possible swelling Partial Thickness Skin is red, painful, swollen Blisters, may take an hour to form

Checking Burns Full thickness Skin is painless (in area of full thickness burn) Skin in pale and stiff if caused by scolding Skin I is charred if caused by fire

Burn Percentage Rule of Palmar Surface or Rule of 9’s for estimating coverage of burn Palm of individuals hand = 1% of body surface Rule of Nines Torso front = 18% Torso back = 18% Each arm = 9% Each leg = 18% Head = 9%

Rule of Nine’s

Caring for Burns In case of major electrical burn (lightning) care for cardiac or respiratory problems first After assessment and removal of burn source Expose burn fully (do not remove melted clothing) Cool or flood with cold water for at least 20 min Gently wash burn to remove any dirt Leave blisters intact Remove jewelry if possible Dress minor burn with thin layer of antibiotic If not available, leave burn alone

Caring for Burns Cover burn with gauze pad or thin roll gauze Do not pack burns with ice Elevate burned extermities to minimize swelling. Swelling slows healing Enourage patient to gently move burned area Treat for shock and hypothermia

Caring for Burns Manage airway Redress burn twice/day Remove by soaking dressing with water if needed Rewash wound to remove old ointment Apply clean covering Redressing/examination will likely be painful. If evac imminent, leave burn alone

Guidelines for Evacuation GO FAST Trouble breathing Partial/full thickness covers 10% or more Partial/full thickness wraps around a body part Serious burns to head/face/neck/hands/feet/genitals Full thickness on > 5% of body Chemical burns Partial/full thickness for child/elder Level of pain good indicator of necessity of evacuation

Scenario 16 yr old sitting at table boiling water. Pot spills into her lap. She is screaming in pain. You see scalding burn that is white and skin is sloughing off. Burn are covers top of both thighs and her right arm from elbow to wrist. What do you do?