JMJ

BURNS PG. 160-169
Burns are a specific type of soft tissue injury. Burns are caused from heat, chemicals, electrical
currents, or radiation from the sun.
A burn first destroys the top layer of skin.
If it continues to burn it will injure or destroy the second layer of skin.
When burns break the skin they can cause infections and loss of body fluids.
Deep burns can damage the victim's ability to breathe.
The severity of a burn depends on the temperature of whatever caused the burn and the length of
time the victim was exposed to it. The severity is also affected by the location of the burn, size of
the burn, and victim's age and medical condition.
THREE TYPES OF BURNS (Pg. 164)
FIRST DEGREE BURN or SUPERFICIAL
The skin is red, dry, and is painful.
These burns heal in 5 - 6 days and do not leave scars.
SECOND DEGREE BURN OR PARTIAL-THICKNESS burn involves the top layers of skin.
These burns are also red, but also have blisters that may open and seep clear fluid.
The burned skin may look blotchy. Usually painful and area swells.
THIRD DEGREE BURNS OR FULL-THICKNESS burns may destroy all layers of skin and the
tissues underneath. They can even destroy bones. Burns look brown & blackish (charred).
Tissues underneath may appear white.
Some may be pain-free because nerve endings have been destroyed.
These burns are CRITICAL!
Critical burns need immediate attention because they can be life-threatening.
Call immediately if:
Burns cause breathing difficulties
Burns cover more than one body part
Burns to head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals
Burns (other than minor one) to a child or elderly person
Burns resulting from chemicals, explosions, or electricity.
Burns caused by flames or hot grease usually need medical attention.
CARE FOR BURNS (Pg. 165)
1. First stop the burning! (Put out flames, etc.)
2. Call fast! For serious burns have someone call 911 or if you are alone provide one minute of
care, then call.
3. Cool the burn. Use large amounts of water to cool the burned area. DO NOT USE ICE
except on minor burns (like burned fingers).
Can apply soaked towels, sheets, or other wet cloths to burned faces or areas that can
not be immersed.
4. Cover the burn. After cooling the area for several minutes, use a dry, clean dressing to prevent
infection. Loosely bandage, do not put any pressure on the burn.
If the area is large, cover with a clean, dry sheet.
For MINOR BURNS and burns with OPEN BLISTERS that do not need medical attention:
Wash the area with soap and water. Keep it clean.
Put on an antibiotic ointment like neosporin. Watch for infection.
Lay a victim of severe burns down unless they have trouble breathing.
Raise the burned area, if possible.
Burn victims will chill easily so protect them from drafts.
DOS AND DON'TS OF BURN CARE (Pg. 167)
Do not apply ice directly to burn.
Do not touch burn with anything except clean cloth.
Do not remove pieces of cloth that is stuck to burned area.
Do not try to clean a severe burn.
Do not break blisters, infection may occur.
Do not use ointments on severe burns only minor burns
FYI WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE (Pg. 166)
Lightning causes more deaths each year in the US than any other weather hazard.
Lightning kills about 90 people a year! May travel up to speeds of 300 mpsec
Can burn clothes off, hurl a person in the air, and stop the heart from beating.
USE COMMON SENSE when dealing with lightning.
SPECIAL KINDS OF BURNS (Pg. 163)
Chemical burns can cause severe burns if they contact the skin or eyes. The stronger the
chemical and the longer the contact, the worse the burn.
Remove the chemical from the skin as quick as possible.
For chemical burns to the skin or eyes, flush the burn with large amounts of cool running water.
Remove clothing with chemicals on them.
If chemicals are in the eyes, rinse from the nose so chemical will not get into other eye.
Electrical burns occur when coming in contact with a source of electricity. These burns are often
deep. The victim may have 2 wounds, one where it entered the body and one where it exits.
Never go near a victim who has been injured by electricity until the power source is off.
If people are in a car with a power line on the car, keep them in the car.
Cover an electrical burn with dry, clean dressing. Do not cool the burn.
Treat for shock.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING (Pg. 169)
There are two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ultraviolet beta rays (UVB) are the burn producing
rays that commonly cause skin cancer.
These rays can cause skin to blister and peel.
The other rays, ultraviolet alpha rays (UVA) have been called "safe" rays.
Tanning salons use these rays.
These rays penetrate deeper and this increases the risk of skin cancer.
UV rays are most harmful between 10:00-4:00.
Always try to protect your skin and eyes.
Wear a hat to protect eyes and face.
Wear sunglasses that have UV absorption of at least 99-100%.
Use sunscreen with SPF of 15 or greater.
Name ________________________
PGS. 160-169 BURNS
1. Differentiate between a 1st and 2nd degree burn.
2. Describe 3rd degree burns.
3. What burns are considered critical (life-threatening) and you should call immediately?
4. When may you use ice on a burn?
5. How long should you "cool the burn?"
6. When do you use an ointment on a burn?
7. What should you do about blisters caused from burns?
8. What should you do for chemical burns to the skin or eyes?
9. What should you do if only one eye has been affected?
10. How long do you flush a chemical burn?
11. What are the major problems of an electrical burn?