Burns

Question 1

How are burns classified?

Answer 1

○ Based off the source of the burn heat, cold, chemical, electricity or radiation.
○ burn depth
Superficial burn, partial thickness burn and full thickness burn

Question 2

What do Superficial Burns look like?

Answer 2

○ Least serious burns occurring on the epidermis
○ Usually red, swelling and pain
○ The inner layer of skin hasn’t been affected
Treatment as minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of hands feet, face, groin, buttocks, or major joint

Question 3

What do Partial Thickness Burns look like?

Answer 3

○ When the dermis layer has also been affected
○ Blistering, intensely reddened, splotchy appearance
○ Sever pain and swelling
If the partial thickness burn is no larger that 2 -3 inches in diameter treat it as a minor burn

Question 4

What do Full Thickness Burns look like?

Answer 4

○ The most serious burn where all layers of skin are affected
○ Fat, muscle and bone can be affected
○ May look charred black or appear dry and white
May have difficulty inhaling and exhaling carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn

Question 5

Treatment for burns (heat, thermal or contact)

Answer 5

○ Monitor victim for signs of shock
○ Immediately cool burns with cool running water for 20min
○ Remove all constricting items if further damage of tissues wont occurs
○ Remove wet clothing soaked with hot liquids if non adherent
○ Cover the burn are with sterile non stick dressing
○ Prevent the casualty from the risk of hypothermia by cover unburnt areas
○ Objective stop the burning process, cool the burn and cover the burn
Where possible elevate the burn limb to minimise swelling