Burns

By Lisa Ward
James Houston
Kachinvya Silwamba

About Burns
3 degrees of burns (technically 4)
Classified by depth of damage and
cause
Critical burns can be any degree
May not feel pain due to destroyed
nerve endings

1 Degree
st

Superficial
Only top layer
Red dry skin
Pain and swelling
Heal within a week

nd

Degree

Partial-thickness
Top layers, deeper than just 1
Red, blistered skin
Swelling
Heal in about 3-4 weeks
May scar

3 Degree
rd

Full-thickness
All layers of skin and some or all
underlying muscle
Brown or black charring
White tissue beneath
Extreme pain or none
Medical assistance needed
Will scar

Technical 4 Degree
th

Burned till bone is showing

Can extend to internal organs
Mostly included in 3rd degree, both
are correct
http://hospitals.unm.edu/burn/classifi
cation.shtml

Heat (Thermal) Burns

As soon as possible, cool the burn with large amounts of cold
running water, at least until pain is relieved
Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing
Take steps to minimize shock. Keep the person from getting
chilled or overheated.
Comfort and reassure the person.
Do not apply ice or ice water to any burn. Ice and ice water can
cause the body to lose heat rapidly and further damages body
tissues.
Do not touch a burn with anything except a clean covering.
Do not remove pieces of clothing that stick to the burned area.
Do not try to clean a severe burn.
Do not break blisters.
Do not use any kind of ointment on a severe burn

Chemical Burns
If the burn was caused by dry chemicals, brush off the chemicals
using gloved hands or a towel and remove any contaminated
clothing before flushing with tap water (under pressure). Be
careful not to get the chemical on yourself or on a different area of
the persons skin.
Flush the burn with large amounts of cool running water. Continue
flushing the burn for at least 20 minutes or until EMS personnel
take over.
If an eye is burned by a chemical, flush the affected eye with
water until EMS personnel take over.
Tilt the head so that the affected eye is lower than the unaffected
eye as you flush
If possible, have the person remove contaminated clothes to
prevent further contamination while you continue to flush the
area.

Electrical Burns
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Any
person who has suffered an electrical shock
needs to be evaluated by a medical professional
to determine the extent of injury.
Be aware that electrocution can cause cardiac
and respiratory emergencies. Therefore, be
prepared to perform CPR or use an automated
external defibrillator (AED).
Care for shock and thermal burns.
Look for entry and exit wounds and give the
appropriate care

Radiation Burns
Care for a radiation (sun) burns you
would for any thermal burn. Always
cool the burn and protect the area
from further damage by keeping the
person away from the source of the
burn

Prevention
Heat Burns- Always be careful
around sources of heat that have
potential to burn you.
Chemical Burns- Follow guidelines
given by manufacturer. Always wear
protective wear
Electric Burns- Dont play around
electric lines or equipment. Go
indoors whenever lightning starts to
strike.

Prevention Continued
Sunburn- wear appropriate clothes
and sunscreen to shield you from the
rays of the Sun

When to Call 9-1-1

Trouble Breathing
Burns to the head, neck, hands,
mouth, nose, feet, genitals
Burns cover a large surface area
Burn caused by electricity,
explosions or chemicals.