Burns are injuries to the skin and to other body tissues that is caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

Classification

• Superficial (first-degree) burns

• Partial-thickness (second-degree) burns

• Full-thickness (third-degree) burns

Critical burns

Critical burns are those burns that require immediate medical care. These are based on factors such as depth, area and location. The following are considered critical burns:

• Full thickness burns that cover more than five percent of the body’s surface area.

• Partial thickness burns that covers more than 10 percent of the body’s surface area or those that can be found in multiple locations.

• Burns to the face, genitals, and injuries that completely encircle the hands or feet which may cause possible constriction and prevent circulation.

• Burns caused by chemicals, electricity and explosives.

• Burns involving someone under five years old or older than five who have thinner skin and often burn more severely.

• Burns involving people with chronic medical problems such as heart or kidney ailments. People who may be undernourished. People who are exposed to burn sources who may not be able to leave the area.

First Aid Management

Thermal burns

• Check the scene for safety.

• Stop the burning by removing the victim from the source of the burn.

• Check for life-threatening conditions.

• Cool the burn with large amounts of cold running water.

• Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing.

• Prevent infection. Do not break blisters

• Apply a triple antibiotic ointment if the person has no known allergies or sensitivities to the medication.

• Take steps to minimize shock.

• Comfort and reassure the victim.

Chemical Burns

• Remove the chemical from the skin as quickly as possible.

• Flush the burn with large amounts of cool running water.

• If an eye is burned by a chemical, flush the affected eye with water until advanced medical personnel take over.

• If possible, have the person remove contaminated clothes to prevent the spread of infection while you continue to flush the area.

Electrical Burns

• Never go near the person until you are sure that he or she is no longer in contact with the power source.

• Turn off the power at its source and be aware of any life threatening conditions.

• Call the local emergency number.

• Be aware that electrocution can cause cardiac and respiratory emergencies.

• Care for shock and thermal burns.

• Look for entry and exit wounds and give appropriate care.

• Remember that anyone suffering from electric shock requires advanced medical attention.

Radiation Burns

• Care for a radiation burn, i.e. sunburn, as you would for any thermal burn.

• Always cool the burn and protect the area from further damage by keeping the person away from the burn source.

Practice skill for final Exam/Open Phase

Practice skill for final Exam/Cravat Phase