Burns Flashcards
What are the sources of burns?
There are four sources of burns: heat, radiation, chemicals and electricity.
Burns are classified by their depth. The deeper the burn, the more severe.
The severity of the burn depends on what?
The severity of the burn depends on the:
o Temperature or strength of the heat or other energy source
o Length of exposure to the burn source
o Location of the burn
o Area and size of the burn
o Victim’s age and general medical condition
Critical burns can lead to shock and other life-threatening situations and need immediate medical attention.
What are examples of critical burns?
Critical burns can lead to shock and other life-threatening situations and need immediate medical attention.
These include burns:
o That cause a victim to have difficulty breathing.
o That cover more than one body part or a large body surface area.
o To the head, neck, hands, feet, abdomen or genitals.
o To the airway. (Burns to the mouth and nose may be a signal of this.)
o To a child or older adult person (other than very minor burns.)
o From chemicals, explosions or electricity
What are the are general guidelines when caring for burns?
To care for burns, follow the general procedures for a land emergency. If the scene is safe, check the victim for life-threatening conditions. Summon EMS personnel if the condition is life-threatening.
The following are general guidelines when caring for burns:
o Stop the burning by removing the victim from the source of the burn.
o Cool minor isolated burns with large amounts of cool or cold tap water for at least 10 minutes. If cool or cold water is not available, use a cool or cold compress that is clean.
o Monitor the victim for hypothermia when cooling burns.
o Cover the burned area loosely with a dry, sterile dressing.
o Comfort and reassure the victim.
