First Aid Burns Burns Classified as either Thermal (Heat) Chemical Electrical Burns: Thermal (Heat) Can be caused by fire, contact with hot objects, flammable vapors, steam or hot liquid Burns : Chemical Many agents can cause tissue damage or death. Burns : Chemical Amount of damage depends on: Duration of contact Skin thickness Strength of chemical Burns: Chemical 3 types responsible for most burns: Acids Alkalis Organic compounds Burns: Electrical Injury depends on: Type of current (AC/DC) Voltage Area of body exposed Duration of contact Burns 1 st degree 2 nd degree 3 rd degree Superficial Partial thickness Full thickness Burns: 1 st Degree Superficial Effects outer (1 st) skin layer: epidermis Burns: 1 st Degree Redness, swelling, tenderness, pain. Healing within a week Burns: 2 nd Degree Partial thickness. Extends into 2 nd layer of skin: Dermis Burns: 2 nd Degree Blisters, swelling, severe pain. When blisters break - chance of infection Burns: 3 rd Degree Full thickness Severe burns. Extend into 3 rd layer of skin: subdermis Burns: 3 rd Degree Leathery, waxy, pearly gray, black, charred, No pain, nerves destroyed Burns: 3 rd Degree Always requires medical attention Debridement: removal of dead skin Burns: Thermal What to Do Stop the burning Stop, Drop and Roll Burns: Thermal What to Do Smother flames with blanket or throw water on flames Burns: Thermal What to Do Remove smoldering clothing Check ABC Determine depth of burn Burns: Thermal What to Do Determine extent of Burn Rule of Nines Burns: Thermal What to Do Rule of Nines Head 9% Arm 9% Leg 18% Front torso 18% Back torso18% Burns: Thermal What to Do Make decision about burns severity and how to treat. Burns: Thermal What to Do SMA if: Under age 5 Difficulty breathing Face, genitals effected 3 rd degree Burns: Thermal 1 st degree What to Do Relieve pain Immerse in cold water Apply cold until pain free Pain reliever prn Moisturizer to keep skin moist Aloe vera is effective analgesic and has anti-microbial properties Burns: Thermal 1 st degree What NOT to Do Use a dressing (usually not needed) Use anesthetic sprays Burns: Thermal 2nd degree What to Do Relieve pain Immerse in cold water Apply cold until pain free Pain reliever prn Thin layer of antibacterial ointment Can apply dry, non stick dressing to protect burn Burns: Thermal 2nd degree What NOT to Do Break blisters Apply anything until burn has cooled Leave wet dressing in place Use plastic as a dressing Burns: Thermal 3rd degree What to Do Cover with clean, dry non stick dressing Treat for shock SMA immediately! Burns: Thermal 3rd degree What NOT to Do Apply any type of ointment, salve or home remedy Burns: Chemical Caustic or corrosive substance. Continue to burn a long as they are in contact with the skin. Burns: Chemical What To Do Brush off powder if present Immediately flush with water for 20 minutes or longer Remove contaminated clothing Burns: Chemical What To Do Cover with dry, sterile dsg SMA Burns: Chemical What NOT To Do Waste time! Use high pressure water Soak in water Electrocution Even mild electrical shock can cause serious injuries Electrocution: 3 Types Thermal (flame) Arc (flash) Clothing ignited by electrical current Electricity jumps from one spot to another Electrocution: 3 Types Contact Electrical current passes through body. Has entrance and exit wound May cause heart arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, major damage inside the body Electrocution: What To Do Make sure area is safe Unplug or disconnect power Check ABCs Treat for shock SMA immediately Cover any wounds and elevate Electrocution: Outside Power Lines If you feel tingling in lower body as approach victim: STOP Raise one foot off the ground, turn around and hop to safe place Electrocution Do NOT Attempt to move downed power lines Wait for EMS Electrocution: Inside Turn of electricity at circuit breaker DO NOT touch victim or appliance until power is turned off.