7. Burns (Scalds)/Explosion (Blast) - ABCDE Flashcards
Person on Fire
Tell them to stop running, drop to ground, cover face, roll around. If water is available, douse them with it immediately until fire is completely out. (Water not available) Get a blanket, rug, or large jacket and use it to wrap their body and smother the flames –> Return to Sequence
Difficulty speaking between breaths
Described as:
* Unable to complete a full sentence w/o taking a breath
* Only able to speak a few words w/o taking a breath
* Breathing attempts that severely hinder crying in infants and small children
Significant Facial Burns
A burn to the face caused by explosion, fire, or gases
Minor Burns
A burn (usually ≤ hand size) that is clearly trivial, non-threatening, and is not a cause of immediate concern
Non-Recent
Six hours or more have passed since the incident or injury occurred (w/o priority symptoms)
Problem Suffixes
E: Explosion
F: Fire present
W: Fireworks
Rule of Nines
Useful in estimating the percentage of body surface burned. In the adult, areas of the body can be approximately divided into portions that are multiples of 9%. In the infant, relatively more area is taken up by the head and less by the legs. (Adult ≥ 1 yr, Infant < 1 yr)
Rule 1
Use RULE OF NINES to determine the approximate size of the burn for response assignment purposes
Rule 2
Relay to responders a simple description of burned areas, not the RULE OF NINES percentage. A description is the more useful form of information.
Rule 3
All electrical burns are considered to be worse than they look externally.
Rule 4
Consider the type of location, along with the building type, when processing explosion incidents. The type of location may indicate a deliberate terrorist act has occurred.
Axiom 1
Pediatric patients or patients with large burns may develop hypothermia when exposed to prolonged cooling with water.
Axiom 2
Use caution when cooling burns in cold climates or in areas with prolonged response times.
Axiom 3
Most scene care for burn patients is supportive and compassionate
Axiom 4
Explosions may occur as the result of a bomb or because of non-intentional event such as gas leak with an ignition source