BURN

Are injuries resulting from exposure to heat, chemical agents, electricity or radiation. It may vary in depth, size, severity and location neck, face, hands, chest. Causes:
Carelessness

with matches and cigarettes Scalds from hot liquids Defective heating, cooking & electrical equipment Unsafe use of flammable liquids to start fires and clean floors Immersion in overheated bath waters Unsafe use of chemicals such as strong alkalis or acids

Hazards of fire includes; Inhaling very hot ( superheated) air or irritating or poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide. Asphyxia from insufficient oxygen in the air Falls and injuries from collapsing wall in burning buildings.

Classification of burns: according to depth or

degree of skin damage

Superficial /First Degree

Least severe, outer layer of skin is burned. overexposure to sun Light contact with hot objects Mild scalding by hot water or steam

Causes;

Ex. sunburn

Signs & symptoms: Redness or discoloration Mild swelling Pain First Aid:
Run or flush with lots of cool running water at least 5 minutes until pain subsides to reduce swelling. Usually heal without treatment for 7-10 days.

Partial Thickness/ Second Degree

Deeper than 1st degree where, epidermis and dermal layer is burn. Most painful- nerve endings are still intact even tissue damage is severe. deep sunburn contact with hot liquids Flash burns from gasoline, kerosene burst into flames.

Causes;

Signs & symptoms:

Greater depth than 1st degree Red or mottled appearance Have blisters Swelling over period of several days Wet appearance on surface of the skin loss of fluid thru damaged skin layers.
Immerse

First Aid:
subsides Cover burn with sterile gauze or clean cloth as protective bandage. Do not break blisters vulnerable to infection Do not use ice cause frostbite further damaging skin Do not apply butter or ointment prevent proper healing burned area in cold water( not ice ) until pain

Full Thickness / Third Degree

Most serious and deepest burn & painless. Extend through all skin layers fat, muscle even bone may be affected.

Causes:
Ignited

clothing immersion with hot water Contact with flames, hot object or electricity

Signs & symptoms:

Deep tissue destruction charred black appearance Dry and White hard to touch( may look like 2nd degree burn) Complete loss of all layers of the skin
Dont

First Aid:
remove adhered burnt clothing make sure victim is no longer contact with smoldering materials. Do not immerse large severe burns in cold water may intensify shock Check signs of ABC do CPR If hands are involved, keep them above level of heart when possible Cover the area with thick, sterile dressing that is cold, moist cloth or towels.

3rd degree burns are so deep, only edges may heal. Scars will eventually cover the rest of burn area. May need surgery and skin grafting

Chemical Burns of the skin

Caused by contact with household cleansers, lawn & garden products and other chemicals. First Aid :

Wear appropriate garments (gloves, eye protection) gently brush any dry chemical off the skin. Flush the affected area with running water for at least 20 minutes. Remove the victims clothing from the involved area, be careful not to expose uninjured body parts. If the area continuous to burn- continue flushing.

Burns of the eye:

First Aid: Acid burns

Wash the face, eyelids and eye as quickly as possible at least 5 minutes. If the victim is lying down turn head to side, hold eyelids open & pour water from inner corner outward. Cover the eyes with dry, clean, protective dressing. Caution victim from rubbing his eye.

Electrical Burns:

Maybe caused by household currents, outside power lines, batteries or lighting. May appear minor but damage can extend into tissue beneath your skin. If strong current passes through cardiac arrest can occur. Jolt associated with electrical burn can cause a person thrown or fall resulting to associated injuries.

First Aid:

Protect yourself look first dont touch ! Turn off source of electricity first if possible

If not, use non-conducting object like wood, plastic to move away from you & the victim.

Check A-B-C do CPR Prevent shock elevate legs higher than head. Cover affected areas with sterile gauze bandage.

Airway & Inhalation Injury:

Smoke produces chemical injury of the lungs & airways. carbon monoxide Leading cause of death in structural fires.

Factors suggesting inhalation injury:

Victim and fire in closed space Flame burns of face, nose and mouth Singed nasal hair Soot in nose, mouth, pharynx or sputum Hoarseness, cough, wheeze, dyspnea

Medical Emergency: need to be intubated.