Burns Flashcards
What are the types of burn?
Wet - water, steam, hot liquid chemicals, fat
Dry - flame, electricity, friction, corrosive chemicals
Different burn depths, what are the characteristics?
Superficial (sunburn, patchy, redness, sensation)
Partial (blistering, sensation, reddening)
Full (severe blistering, charring, loss of sensation)
What are the complications of a burn?
Shock
Infection
Respiratory tract damage
Hypothermia
How to measure an area of a burn?
Rule of nines
Palm surface area, 1% BSA
Serial halving
Time critical features of a burn
ABCD problems Airway burns History of hot air/ gas inhalation Evidence of circumferential burns to chest and neck Adults >25% Peads >12.5%
Signs of smoke inhalation
Exposed to smoke in enclosed space
Unconscious while exposed to smoke
After exposure to smoke
Symptoms of smoke inhalation
Develops cough
Develops dyspnoea
Develops chest pain
Factors to consider when dealing with an electrical burn?
Electricity off
Safe to approach
Safety of the crew, bystanders, and patient
Pathway of current through the body and internal injuries
Time of contact
AC/DC
Early defibrillation if poss
Factors to consider when dealing with a chemical burn?
Type of chemical Concentration of chemical Amount of chemical Duration of contact How it was contacted
Who are the most at risk group of people when presented with burns?
Young
Elderly
What would you do with a patient who has burnt clothing on them?
Remove any non-adherent clothing
A patient has swelling to the hands?
Remove the jewellery
If a patient has circumferential burns?
Manage swelling and dressings
Respiratory tract burns
Maintain o2 levels
What do you do for burn management?
Cool the burn for up to 10 minutes
Cover burn area with patches of cling film
