Burns
A damage to the skin caused by heat or cold.
Types of Burns
 Chemical
 Radiation
 Electrical – there is an entry burn and an exit burn e.g.
direct burns, burns within an arc and burns from ignited
parts
 Friction/Abrasion – caused by rough surfaces
 Thermal – caused by hot liquids and is known as a scald
or by touching hot objects as a dry burn
Classes of Burns
1st degree burn – only the top layer of the skin is damaged
(the epidermis) with swells and is red
2nd degree burn – the epidermis and the dermis are damaged
with blisters, red skin and swelling
3rd degree burn – the epidermis, dermis and the rest of the
underlying tissue are damaged causing little to no pain
because the burn reaches the nerves and the skin charrs
Rule of Nines - It is used to estimate a burn’s percentage of
your total skin
1. Head – 9%
2. Front – 18%
3. Arms – 18%
4. Back – 18%
5. Legs – 36%
6. Genitalia – 1%
Treatment for Burns
1. Cool the affected area with running water for at least
10 minutes. *if running water is unavailable then
improvise and use any harmless liquid*
2. Cover the burn with a non-sticky dressing: clingfilm,
plastic bag and non-fluffy bandage.
3. Find medical attention and if it is serious call the
ambulance.
4. If on fire: Stop, drop, and roll to remove oxygen from
fire.
Don’ts
1. Do not remove clothes from a burn unless it is a
chemical burn.
2. Do not apply oils because it seals in it.
3. Do not pop any blisters because it opens the wound and
allows germs to enter.
4. Do not stop cooling before 10 minutes.
Infection Control
- Keep the wound as clean as possible
- Try avoiding contact with blood; use latex gloves or
another effective barrier like plastic bags
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards
- Seek medical advice if concerned