1. Burns CERT Presentation: Burns Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 111
WSIB Learning Objectives:
The following WSIB learning objectives have been met in this chapter:
Burns
6.1. Take measures to prevent burns
List four safety measures to prevent burns
List the four types of burns by mechanism of injury/causes and give an example of each
List the classification of burns by degree and state their signs and symptoms:
First degree
Second degree
Third degree
Wounds and Bleeding
Medical Conditions

2. Instructor Notes Continued
List four factors that determine the seriousness of a burn
List four complications that may result from a burn
6.3. Provide first aid for burns
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Heat
Chemicals:
i. Liquid
ii. Dry
Electrical current
Radiation:
i. Sun
ii. Radioactivity
Describe five instances when medical help is required for a casualty who has been burned

3. Body Works
The largest organ in the body is the skin which is composed of between two to seven layers: eye lids having only two and feet and hands having seven. The skin also contains blood vessels, oil glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles. When the skin is burned, the vessels within the skin leak fluid to cool the area.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 111
WSIB Learning Objectives: n/a
Instructor Notes
The largest organ of the body is the skin, also known as the integumentary system. It is composed of between two to seven layers of skin on our body (the eye lids have only two, whereas the feet and hands have seven).
The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, muscles, oil glands, and sweat glands, as well as hair follicles and roots.
Throughout our skin, we have a layer of fat called adipose tissue, which makes the skin waterproof. Our body is sensitive towards heat, cold and the slightest touch due to sensory nerves located within the dermis.
Our body maintains a constant temperature by varying blood flow into capillaries beneath the skin surface by producing perspiration, which cools the body.
When the skin is burned, the vessels within the skin leak fluid to cool the area. Depending on the severity of the burn, the fluid will either gather below the site of injury within the tissues and form a blister or break through the surface of the damaged skin.
Wounds and Bleeding

4. Burn Prevention
What measures have you taken at home or around the office to reduce the risk of a potential burn?
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 117
WSIB Learning Objectives:
6.1. Take measures to prevent burns
List four safety measures to prevent burns
Instructor Notes
Set water thermostat lower when elderly and children use the premises to avoid scalding.
Place pots and pans with handles facing in on a hot stove.
Keep electric cords away from the edge of counters or tables (for example, kettles can be pulled over by children if cords are accessible).
Keep children away from hot surfaces (e.g. ovens, fireplaces, irons, etc).
Avoid using electrical equipment/ fixtures with frayed cords or damaged plugs.
Never leave a dryer on when not at home.
Wounds and Bleeding

5. Instructor Notes Continued
Ensure wiring is in working order and well maintained in your home.
Always make sure power is turned off before working on any electrical device.
Use sunscreen/sunblock to avoid skin exposure to sunburn.
Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from UVA/UVB burns.
Do not mix household cleaners to avoid creating a caustic gas.

6. Burn Considerations There are three things to consider when
assessing a burn:
The Cause
The Degree
The Extent of Injury
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 117
WSIB Learning Objectives:
List three factors that determine the seriousness of a burn
Instructor Notes
Review the three considerations when assessing a burn: cause, degree and extent.
Wounds and Bleeding

7. 911/EMS is needed when Burns are to over 9% of the body
Skin has been removed
Burn is to the groin area
A child or senior citizen is burned
The burn interferes with breathing
There are other injuries or serious underlying medical conditions accompanying a burn (i.e. fractures or bleeding)
It is an electrical burn
It is a chemical burn
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 117
WSIB Learning Objectives:
List four factors that determine the seriousness of a burn
Describe five instances when medical help is required for a casualty who has been burned
Instructor Notes
State five instances when medical help is required for a casualty who has been burned. These should include:
Burns are to over 9% of the body
The skin has been removed
The burn is to the groin area
A child or senior citizen is burned
The burn interferes with breathing
There are other injuries or serious underlying medical conditions accompanying the burn
An electrical burn
A chemical burn

8. Cause of Burns Thermal = Open flame, steam, liquid, or a hot object.
Radiation = Exposure to sun, sudden flash or radioactive materials.
Electrical = Lightning strike or contact with low or high voltage currents.
Chemical = Contact with industrial chemicals, household products, inhaled fumes
or poisonous gases.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 117
WSIB Learning Objectives:
List the four types of burns by mechanism of injury/causes and give an example of each
Instructor Notes
Thermal = Open flame, steam, liquid, or a hot object
Radiation = Exposure to sun, sudden flash or radioactive materials
Electrical = Lightning strike, or contact with low or high voltage currents
Chemical = Contact with industrial chemicals, household products, inhaled fumes or poisonous gases.
Determine the cause of the burn before providing treatment as each type of burn should be handled differently.
Wounds and Bleeding

9. First Degree Burn Third Degree First Degree
Damage extends into deeper tissue causing extensive tissue destruction.
Appearance may be white, blanched and thickened or charred.
First Degree
Damages the first layer of the skin.
Causing pain, redness and swelling.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 117
WSIB Learning Objectives:
List the classification of burns by degree and state their signs and symptoms: First Degree
Instructor Notes
First Degree Burn: Damages the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), causing pain, redness and swelling.
Second Degree Burn: Damages to both the outer skin and underlying tissues (epidermis and dermis), causing pain, redness, swelling and blistering.
Third Degree Burn: Damage extends deeper into tissues (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis), causing extensive tissue destruction. The skin may feel numb and the surrounding area may have second and first degree burns. The skin may have a charred, white/waxy, or blanched appearance.
Suggested Activity
Encourage participation by asking participants to describe what they believe each looks like. .
Wounds and Bleeding

10. Second Degree of Burns 10 Second Degree
Damages the first and second layer of the skin.
Causing pain, redness, swelling and blistering.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
List the classification of burns by degree and state their signs and symptoms: Second degree
Instructor Notes
First Degree Burn: Damages the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), causing pain, redness and swelling.
Second Degree Burn: Damages to both the outer skin and underlying tissues (epidermis and dermis), causing pain, redness, swelling and blistering.
Third Degree Burn: Damage extends deeper into tissues (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis), causing extensive tissue destruction. The skin may feel numb and the surrounding area may have second and first degree burns. The skin may have a charred, white/waxy, or blanched appearance.
Activity
Encourage participation by asking participants to describe what they believe each looks like. 10
Burns 10

11. Degree of Burns 11 Third Degree
Damage extends into deeper tissue causing extensive tissue destruction.
Appearance may be white, blanched and thickened or charred.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
List the classification of burns by degree and state their signs and symptoms: Third degree
Instructor Notes
First Degree Burn: Damages the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), causing pain, redness and swelling.
Second Degree Burn: Damages to both the outer skin and underlying tissues (epidermis and dermis), causing pain, redness, swelling and blistering.
Third Degree Burn: Damage extends deeper into tissues (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis), causing extensive tissue destruction. The skin may feel numb and the surrounding area may have second and first degree burns. The skin may have a charred, white/waxy, or blanched appearance.
Activity
Encourage participation by asking participants to describe what they believe each looks like. . 11
Wounds and Bleeding 11

12. Extent of Burns To quickly determine the extent of the burn, use the
Rule of Nines:
The body can be divided up into 9 or 18 (with a few exceptions).
Burns that cover more than 9% need immediate hospital treatment.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Instructor Notes
To quickly determine the extent of the burn, a method called the Rule of Nines can be used. The body can quickly be divided up into sections of 9 or 18 (with few exceptions).
A second degree burn that covers more than 9% of the body needs immediate hospital treatment. A casualty with a burn under 9% still requires medical attention however it may not be as urgent as a burn over 9%.
Any third degree burn requires immediate medical treatment, especially if the casualty is a senior or a child. Also, keep in mind that the greater the surface area of the burn, the greater the risk of the casualty going into shock.
Any burn to the face, hands/feet and/or genitalia requires immediate medical attention.
Wounds and Bleeding

13. Thermal Burn Presentation: Burns Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Heat (thermal)
Instructor Notes
Treat a first and second degree burn by submerging the burned area in cool water for fifteen minutes.
If the clothing is not burned to the skin, attempt to remove any of it as soon as possible.
First and second degree burns should be dressed in a wet, loose dressing and secured with medical tape. Be sure the tape does not touch the burn area.
A third degree burn should be dressed in a wet, loose dressing. Be sure to cover the entire area as it helps to protect against infection.
Wounds and Bleeding

14. Instructor Notes Continued
Details
This small child climbed into a bath tub of hot water (while the parent was on the phone in another room). The damage to the feet would not have been as severe if the parent had not removed the child's socks. Removing the socks removed the skin from the feet. In this scenario, the feet can be quickly cooled by submerging the child in the toilet or the tank in the back of the toilet.

15. Chemical Burn Presentation: Burns Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 117
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Chemicals:
Liquid
Dry
Instructor Notes
For chemical burns:
Remove as much of the chemical as you can by either absorbing it with a cloth or brushing it off of the body.
All clothing should be removed from the casualty.
Flush the area with copious amounts of water for at least fifteen minutes. It is important to get the MSDS sheet as it contains important information regarding the chemical they have made contact with and first aid treatment.
Treat for shock.
Wounds and Bleeding

16. Instructor Notes Continued
Details
A chemical made contact with this adult’s arm. They were unfamiliar
with the MSDS and reacted by submerging the arm in water. The
chemical reacted with the water and caused this burn.
Brush the chemical off of the body, and flush with copious amounts of water. Always refer to the appropriate MSDS sheet for correct treatment.

17. Electrical Burns Electricity may cause two potential types of burns:
Contact with electricity (contact burn). Passes through the body.
Flash burn. This is caused when electricity arcs. Does not pass through body.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Electrical current
Instructor Notes
Electrical Burns
When dealing with electrical burns, there are two different types. One may be electrocution due to contact with electricity, which is called a contact burn. The second type of burn, called a flash burn, occurs when electricity arcs.
Contact Burns
The human body is a great conductor of electricity. When we make contact with electricity, it passes easily through the human body. At the point of entrance, there may be a burn and also at the point of exit. There may also be tissue damage between the entry and exit points.
Wounds and Bleeding

18. Instructor Notes
Flash Burns
When electricity arcs, it produces intense heat for a short period of time. When this arc makes contact with a person, it usually leaves a third degree burn (or a hole). As a flash burn does not travel through the body, you are likely only dealing with tissue damage at the point of contact.
High-voltage electricity can arc or jump up to eighteen metres. It may not be safe to enter an area to provide first aid until the power has been shut off and isolated. With low-voltage electricity electrocution, turn the power source off before entering the scene. Assess ABCD’s. There may be an entrance and an exit wound where the electricity entered the body and then left. Bandage these areas with a wet, sterile and loose dressing.

19. Contact Burn Presentation: Burns Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Electrical current
Instructor Notes
High voltage electricity can arc or jump up to eighteen metres. Do not enter the scene until the power has been shut off and isolated.
With low voltage electricity electrocution, turn the power source off before entering.
Assess ABC’s. Treat entrance and exit wound and the path it may have taken with wet, sterile and loose dressings or burn packs.
Wounds and Bleeding

20. Instructor Notes Continued
Signs and Symptoms of a Contact Burn Include:
Tingling
Pain
Involuntary muscle cramping
Chest pain
Respiratory arrest
Amnesia
Seizures
Altered mental state
Coma
Blistering
Wounds

21. Contact Burn Presentation: Burns Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Electrical current
Instructor Notes
Bleeding may accompany an exit wound. In this situation it should be your priority to cover the area with wet and sterile dressings (to help cool the area) and help protect against infection.
Details
This is the exit point of contact electrocution. Although it is necessary to treat this bleed, remember a burn continues to burn. As well, first aiders should be concerned about potential infection.
Treatment
Cover the burned area with burn dressing to treat and protect against infection. If burn dressing is not available, use a wet and sterile dressing.
Wounds and Bleeding

22. Flash Burns
Electricity produces intense heat for a short period of time when it arcs or makes contact. It may leave a third degree burn (or a hole).
A flash burn does not travel through the body so you are only dealing with tissue damage at the point of contact.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Electrical current
Instructor Notes
When electricity arcs, it produces intense heat for a short period of time.
This arc or heat, when it makes contact with a person, usually leaves a third degree burn (or a hole).
As a flash burn does not travel through the body you are probably only dealing with tissue damage at the point of contact.
Wounds and Bleeding

23. Flash Burn Treatment ESM. Assess ABC’s.
Assess burns. Provide specific treatment for degree of burn.
Treat burns with wet, sterile and loose dressings or burn packs.
Treat for shock/ongoing care.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Electrical current (flash burn)
Instructor Notes
First Aid Treatment
ESM.
Assess ABC’s.
Assess burns. Provide specific treatment for degree of burn.
Treat burns with wet, sterile and loose dressings or burn packs.
Treat for shock/ongoing care.
Wounds and Bleeding

24. Electrical – Flash Burn
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Electrical current (flash burn)
Instructor Notes
First Aid Treatment
Cover face with wet and sterile dressings or burn packs.
Monitor ABC’s.
Treat for shock.
Provide ongoing care.
Wounds and Bleeding

25. Radiation Burn
A radiation burn may occur from the sun, a welding flash, explosion, reflection of the sun, or snow blindness. These may also cause a burn to the eye(s).
Obvious signs and symptoms are similar to those of a thermal burn. Less obvious signs include sensitivity to light, pain, and/or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe the first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Radiation from:
Sun
Radioactivity
Instructor Notes
A radiation burn may occur from the sun, a welding flash, explosion, reflection of the sun, or snow blindness. These may also cause a burn to the eye(s).
Obvious signs and symptoms are similar to those of a thermal burn. Less obvious signs include sensitivity to light, pain, and/or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Wounds and Bleeding

26. Radiation Burn Treatment
Treat as a thermal burn
Burn To The Eye(s)
Reassure the casualty.
Have them lie flat on their back and cover both eyes with sterile, thick, and moist dressing.
Secure with a bandage.
Seek medical attention.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Describe by first aid procedures for a burn caused by:
Radiation from:
Sun.
Radioactivity
Instructor Notes
Intense light such as a welding flash, explosion, reflection of the sun, snow blindness, may cause a radiation burn to the eye(s).
The signs and symptoms may not be immediately obvious but may become quietly obvious hours later.
First Aid Treatment – Burn to the eyes
Reassure the casualty.
Have them lie flat on their back and cover both eyes with sterile, thick, and moist dressing.
Secure with a bandage.
Seek medical attention.
Wounds and Bleeding

27. Burns – Treatment Summary
Thermal/Radiation = 1st & 2nd submerge in cool water. 3rd dress with wet and cool dressing.
Chemical = “Brush and Flush”. MSDS.
Electrical = Safety, ABC’s, and treat burn area(s).
Treat all types of burns for shock.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Instructor Notes
Review treatment summary. Explain that casualties go into shock with burns because of fluid loss.
Thermal/Radiation = 1st & 2nd submerge in cool water. 3rd dress with wet and cool dressing.
Chemical = “Brush and Flush”. MSDS.
Electrical = Safety, ABC’s, and treat burn area(s).
Treat all types of burns for shock.
Wounds and Bleeding

28. Burn Dressing
A burn dressing should be sterile and large enough to cover the burn area.
The dressing should remain moist as it may stick to the wound.
Water based burn dressing recommended.
Secure dressing using medical tape beyond the burn area.
Presentation: Burns
Time Line: 15 Minutes
Participant manual page reference for slide: 114
WSIB Learning Objectives:
Instructor Notes
A burn should be dressed using sterile dressing that is large enough to cover the burn area.
When treating a first and second-degree burn, keep the dressing moist, as it may stick to the wound. Attach the dressing using medical tape. Ensure the tape does not touch the burn area. You may also cover the dressing loosely with a plastic bag to prevent the dressing from drying out.
A third-degree burn should be dressed using a wet sterile dressing. The dressing should also be attached using medical tape. If the third degree burn is surrounded by first and second-degree burns, apply moist, sterile, lint free dressing and secure.
Wounds and Bleeding

29. Instructor Notes
Some first aid kits may contain burn dressing. If burn dressing is available and okay to use (check expiry date), you may use it according to the directions provided. Be sure to send the burn kit packaging with the casualty to the hospital as a physician will need to know what burn kit was used.