Burns
CPR/First Aid
Burns
are a special kind of soft tissue
injury which can damage the top
layers of skin as well as the layers of
fat, muscle and bone.
Burns are classified by their sources:
Lesson 11
Soft Tissue Injuries
Special Situations
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Heat/Thermal
Electrical
Radiation
Chemical
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Burns (cont)
Burns (cont)
Electrical
– Be sure the person is no longer in contact
with the power source. (Turn off the power
source.)
– High-voltage electrocution (downed
powerlines), call 911.
– Obtain medical help for all victims of
electrical shock to determine the extent of
injuries.
– Be prepared to give CPR or use an AED.
Heat/Thermal (Caused by fire, water, steam)
– Remove the source of heat.
– Cool the burn using cold running water.
– Cover the burn loosely with a sterile
dressing.
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Burns (cont)
Burns (cont)
Radiation
Chemical
– Care for sunburns as you would any other
burn.
– Cool the burn and protect the areas from
further damage by keeping it out of the
sun.
– Brush off dry chemicals that cause burns
from your skin. (Remove clothing)
– Wet chemicals, flush affected area with
large amounts of cool water.
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1
Partial Thickness-2nd Degree Burn
Superficial-1st Degree Burn
Second degree burns
affect both the outer
and underlying layer of
the skin, causing pain,
redness, swelling, and
blistering (weeping).
Usually heal within 3-4
weeks, may scar.
First degree burns
affect the outer layer
of the skin, causing
pain, redness, and
swelling.
Usually heals within
a week without
scarring.
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Full Thickness-3rd Degree Burn
First Aid-Minor Burn
To treat a minor burn,
run cool water over
the area of the burn or
soak it in a cool water
bath (not ice water).
Keep the area
submerged for at least
5 minutes.
Third degree burns extend into deeper
tissues, causing brown or blackened
skin. Damage from these burns extend
into the full thickness of skin with its
nerve supply. Third degree burns leave
scars and may cause loss of function
and/or sensation.
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First Aid-Burns (cont)
First Aid-Minor Burn (cont)
After cooling the burn,
cover the burn with a
sterile bandage or a clean
cloth. OTC pain
medications, such as
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen, may be used to
help relieve pain. Minor
burns will usually heal
without further treatment.
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DO NOT–
ice or ice water to a burn.
Break blisters.
Remove pieces of clothing that stick to
a burned area.
Try to clean or use ointments on a
severe burn.
Apply
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2
Burns-Airway & Lungs
Injuries-Severed Body Parts
If a body part has been torn or cut off,
call 911.
Control bleeding by applying direct
pressure.
If the person is suffering from lifethreatening bleeding, a constriction
bandage or tourniquet could help reduce
bleeding.
Remember that saving the victim’s life is
more important than saving a body part.
Burns to the airway can
be caused by inhaling
smoke, superheated air,
steam, or toxic fumes.
Airway burns can be
very serious since the
rapid swelling of the
airway can block the
flow of air to the lungs.
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Injuries-Embedded Objects
Injuries-Severed Body Parts (cont)
If
possible locate the missing body part.
– Wrap it in a clean damp cloth, place in a
plastic bag.
– Immerse the bag in cold water or keep the
part cold by placing the bag on ice.
– Do not use dry ice or freeze the part.
(Keep away from heat.)
Take
it with you when you go!
If
an object is embedded in a wound, do
not remove it.
Place dressings around the object to
keep it from moving. Bandage to keep
the dressing and object in place.
Splinters in the surface of the skin can
be removed with tweezers. (Follow wound
care procedures.)
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Nasal Injuries
Nasal Injuries & Nose Bleeds
The nose contains many
blood vessels that can bleed
easily. Nosebleeds occur
more frequently in the winter
when indoor air can dry the
membranes of the nose.
Nosebleeds may indicate
other medical problems such
as bleeding disorders, high
blood pressure, or hardening
of the arteries.
A nasal fracture is a break
in the bone over the ridge
of the nose. Symptoms
include pain, bleeding,
bruising around the eyes,
swelling, and difficulty
breathing through the nose.
Serious nose injuries
require immediate attention.
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First Aid-Nose Bleeding
Tooth Injuries
Gently
squeeze the soft portion of the
nose for a full 10 minutes. Lean
forward to avoid swallowing the blood
and breathe through your mouth.
Many nosebleeds can be controlled in
this way if enough time is allowed for
the bleeding to stop.
It may help to apply cold compresses
or ice across the bridge of the nose.
Avoid sniffing or blowing your nose for
several hours after a nosebleed.
Place
a rolled sterile dressing into the
space left by the missing tooth. Have
the person bite down to apply
pressure.
Pick up the tooth by the crown.
Place it in milk if possible or cool
water.
Seek dental care ASAP.
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Abdominal Injuries
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Open Abdominal Injuries
Always suspect an abdominal injury in
a person that has multiple injuries.
Signs of serious abdominal injuries
include–
•severe pain, abdominal tenderness
•bruising, external bleeding
•nausea, vomiting, thirst
•other signals of shock
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To care for an open wound to the abdomen,
follow these steps:
•Call 911.
•Remove clothing from around the wound.
•Do not apply direct pressure and do not push
any protruding organs back in.
•Place a moist clean dressing over the
wound. (Warm tap water)
•Treat for shock.
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