1. Chapter 8
Burns

2. Types of Burns
Thermal (heat) burns
Chemical burns
Electrical burns

3. Thermal Burns Depth (degree) First-degree (superficial)
Second-degree (partial thickness)
Third-degree (full thickness)
Extent (Rule of palm)
Parts of body burned
Other injuries or medical conditions
Whether patient is elderly or very young

4. First-Degree Burns (Superficial)
Redness
Mild swelling
Tenderness
Pain

5. Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness)
Blisters
Swelling
Weeping fluids
Intense pain

6. Third-Degree Burns (Full Thickness)
Dead nerve endings
Leathery, waxy skin
Pearly gray or charred skin

7. Care for Thermal Burns Stop the burning process.
Open airway and check breathing.
Seek medical attention if:
Victim is younger than 5, older than 55
Victim has difficulty breathing
There are other injuries or electrical injury
Face, feet, hands, or genitals are burned
Child abuse is suspected
Second-degree burn is larger than 20% BSA
Burn is third degree

8. First-Degree Burns Cool burn. Apply moisturizer such as aloe vera gel.
Administer ibuprofen to relieve pain (acetaminophen for children).

9. Small Second-Degree Burns
Cool burn.
Apply antibiotic ointment.
Cover burn with dry, nonstick, sterile dressing.
Administer ibuprofen to relieve pain (acetaminophen for children).

10. Large Second-Degree and Third-Degree Burns
Monitor breathing.
Cover burn with dry, nonstick, sterile dressing.
Care for shock.
Seek medical care.

11. Chemical Burns Results from caustic or corrosive substance
Acids, alkalis, and organic compounds
Continue to burn as long as they are in contact with the skin; remove quickly

12. Care for Chemical Burns
Flush skin.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Cover burn.
Seek medical care.

13. Electrical Burns Thermal burn (flame) Arc burn (flash)
True electrical injury (contact)

14. Care for Electrical Burns
Make the scene safe.
Open airway and check breathing.
Check for spinal injuries.
Cover burns.
Care for shock.
Call

15. Contact With Electrical Current
Downed power lines
Turn off power before approaching patient.
Must have training and appropriate tools
Faulty electrical equipment or careless use of electrical appliances
Turn off electricity at the circuit breaker, fuse box, or outside switch box.
Unplug appliance if plug is undamaged.
Do not touch the patient until current is off.