(INJ) Burns Lesson Two

Burns

First Degree Burn (slightly red) Epidermis Dermis Second Degree Burn (goes deeper into the dermis), blisters Third Degree Burn (goes even deeper, subcutaenous), turns dark or blackBurns are soft tissue injuries that damage skin and sometimes the layers of fat and muscle beneath the skin. They are classified by depth and by their source.

There are 3 degrees of burns:

  • Superficial Burn or First-degree:
    • Only the top layer of skin is damaged.
    • Skin will be dry, red, may swell and will usually be painful.
    • Will usually heal on its own without scarring.
    • An ordinary sunburn is a common example.
  • Partial thickness or Second-degree:
    • Involves the top layers of skin.
    • Skin will be red and may swell, usually very painful.
    • Often has blisters that may open and release a clear fluid. This will make the skin appear wet.
    • Will usually heal within 3-4 weeks.
  • Full Thickness or Third-degree:
    • May destroy underlying tissues such as fat, bones, nerves, and muscles.
    • Skin may be brown or black and will look charred.
    • Tissue underneath may appear white.
    • May be very painful or painless due to nerve endings being destroyed.

View the presentation below, detailing examples of each type of burn.

General Guidelines for Treating Thermal Burns

Do This!

Do NOT do this!

Check the scene for safety Remove the person from the source of the burn Assess the victim for life-threatening conditions Run cold water over the burn to cool it Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing Take steps to prevent infection and minimize shock Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated Comfort and reassure the victim

Apply ice or iced water except on small first degree burns. Touch a burn with anything other than a sterile covering. Remove adhered clothing. Try to clean a severe burn. Break blisters. Use any kind of ointment on a severe burn

 

Treating Burns Caused by Other Sources

Burns caused by chemicals, electricity and radiation have special considerations.

Chemical Burns

image of chemicalsMany household cleaning solutions are common sources of chemicals that can burn and destroy tissues. If there is a dry chemical, brush it off the skin using paper, cloth, or with a gloved hand. Be sure not to get any on yourself or more on the patient. Once the bulk of the dry chemical is gone, flush with running water as above. Call EMS immediately. If the burn is caused by a wet chemical, flush with plenty of water for 15 minutes and while flushing, call EMS immediately.

Electrical Burns

image of electric cordsElectrical burns look like third-degree burns, but are not surrounded by first- and second-degree burns. They always come in pairs: an entry wound (smallest) and exit wound (larger). Call EMS immediately if a person has been shocked as electrocution can cause cardiac and respiratory problems. Be prepared to give CPR or defibrillation. Care is the same for thermal burns.

Radiation Burns

image of x-rayRadiation burns, though typically caused from a nuclear source, could also include ultraviolet radiation in the form of sunburn which should be treated as a thermal burn. Burns caused by a nuclear source, though rare, are still possible. Radiation burns can not be treated by a lay rescuer. Individuals working in high-risk environments for possible radiation exposure are trained in the treatment of radiation burns. The rescuer may unknowingly put himself/herself at risk of radiation exposure by treating someone with a radiation burn. For all nuclear radiation burns, call your local emergency number immediately. Radiation burns also come in the form of snow blindness (or other intense light burns to the retina). Cover the eyes with sterile gauze, and contact EMS immediately. Do whatever you can to keep the victim comfortable, monitor ABCs, treat for shock, and keep the victim calm.

Critical Burns

The following burns require medical attention as soon as possible. They may be life-threatening, disabling, and disfiguring. Call the local emergency number if:

  • The burns are to a child younger than five years old or to an elderly person.
  • The patient is having difficulty breathing.
  • The burns are on more than one body part.
  • There are burns to the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals.
  • There are burns to the mouth or nose (these may be signs of burns to the airway).
  • The burns result from chemicals or electricity.

Please watch the video below from ProCPR explaining how to treat a burn.

Types of Burns Review

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