BURNS

Types of burns Depths of burns Extent of burns General Treatment Others Airway burns Electrical burns Chemical splashes to eyes

T YPES OF B URNS Dry burns Scalds Cold injury Radiation burns Electrical burns Chemical burns

D RY B URNS Contact with hot objects E.g. Iron Flames Open flame Candle Lighter Friction Constant movement of two objects against each other Causes heat to build up, burning skin

S CALDS Hot Liquids Boiling water Hot drinks Steam Steamer Kettle

C OLD I NJURY Contact with metals at low temperatures Frostbite medical condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to freezing.

R ADIATION B URNS Sunburns Exposure to radioactive source Radiotherapy Nuclear-related accidents Over-exposure to ultra-violet rays

D EPTH OF B URNS Epidermis Dermis (Nerves) Subcutaneous layer Muscles Bone

D EPTH OF B URNS Superficial burns Partial-Thickness burns Full Thickness burns

S UPERFICIAL B URNS Epidermis burnt Skin becomes red, swollen, tender Generally easy to treat

P ARTIAL -T HICKNESS B URN Epidermis and part of Dermis burnt Large blisters at site of burn Medical Aid required Most painful degree Raw nerves cells exposed Pain can still be felt

F ULL T HICKNESS B URN Entire skin (Epidermis and Dermis burnt) Urgent hospital treatment required Underlying structures severely damaged Bones Muscles Painless Nerves have already been burnt Usually has charring

E XTENT OF B URNS Rule of Nines Head & Neck: 9% Chest and Abdomen: 18% Each Upper limb: 9% Each Lower limb: 18% Back and Buttocks: 18% Crotch: 1% 100%

T REATMENT Ensure Airway Breathing Circulation Cool injured area with room temperature water for at least 10 minutes Gently remove constricting clothing or objects from injured area if possible Cover injured area with sterile dressing or clean, non-fluffy material and bandage loosely Prevent / Treat shock Monitor Level Of Response and vital signs at least every 5 minutes Seek medical help

T REATMENT DO NOT:  Break the blisters  Force open eyelids if closed  Apply lotions, fats, toothpaste, ointments, creams etc.  Remove clothing that is stuck to burn

A IRWAY B URNS caused by inhaling smoke, steam, toxic fumes rapid swelling of burned tissue in the airway can quickly block the flow of air to the lungs Singed nose hair (burned nose hair - form of airway burn) Treatment Call for medical help Reassure casualty Ask casualty to take slow, deep breaths Monitor casualty’s Level Of Response and vital signs

E LECTRICAL B URNS Lightning strikes Contact with electrical appliances Touch electrical mains with wet hands Electricity pass through conductors e.g. metal rods, wires Entry and Exit wound Electric current flow through body and out to ground Burn at entry wound (contact place of electric current) Burn at exit wound (usually lower part of body) Treatment General burns treatment, applied on both entry and exit wound

C HEMICAL B URNS TO E YES Chemicals get to eyes Eye turns red/swollen Tearing Treatment Run eyes under running tap water Uninjured eye above injured eye (to prevent chemicals from infecting both eyes) Ask casualty to close eyes Bandage both eyes

C HEMICAL B URNS Acids exposed to a corrosive substance Alkali lime products, plaster and mortar, oven and drain cleaners, dishwasher powders, fertilizers, and sparks from “sparklers.” Chemical Agents

C HEMICAL B URNS Treatment Liquid Wash off any chemical before proceeding to general treatment Solid/Powder Brush off any chemical substance (not with hands) Proceed to general treatment without running under water  Do not use water as it may dissolve the solid and be absorbed into skin