WHAT IS A BURN

A burn involves the destruction of skin cells, and sometimes the underlying structures of muscle, fascia and bone.
It occurs when these structures absorb more heat than their capacity to dissipate it.

Children and older adults, by virtue of their thinner skin, sustain severe burns at lower temperatures and in less time than
an adult. Exposure for just three seconds to water which is 140"F (the temperature of the average home's hot water as it
comes from the tap) can result in a full thickness or third degree burn, which would require hospitalization and skin grafts.
An adult would have to be exposed to the same temperature for up to five seconds to sustain the same burn. At a higher
temperature, the time required to obtain a serious burn can be reduced to a fraction of a second.

Most people think of burns in terms of degrees: first, second and third degree burns. The medical profession often cate-
gorizes burns in terms of thickness - full thickness and partial thickness.

WHAT ARE APPROPRIATE FIRST AID RESPONSES?

Remember: a quick response can help lessen the extent of injury.

1. Stop the burning process (remove the source of heat).
    If clothes are on fire, "STOP, DROP and ROLL."
    If clothes get soaked with a hot liquid, remove clothing.
    If liquid chemical spills on skin, rinse with tepid water.
    If powder chemical spills on skin, brush off, and then rinse with tepid water.
    Remove any clothes that have been contaminated by a chemical immediately.
2. Remove belts, all jewelry, and all tight clothing, especially from around the person's neck.

    Burned areas will     swell immediately.
3. Cover burns with clean, dry dressing, bandage or sheet.
4. Keep person warm with a blanket.
5. Seek medical attention immediately.

NEVER:

1. Pour cold water on a burn.
2. Pack burned area with ice.
3. Apply butter or ointment immediately

Doing any of the above can make injuries worse.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. MINOR BURN INJURIES: Cool burn with tepid water. Antimicrobial ointment may be applied with
a bandage after the wound is cooled. Consult with physician for additional treatment, particularly if skin breaks
or pain does not subside.

2. ELECTRICAL INJURIES: DO NOT TOUCH the person who is in contact with electricity.
YOU WILL BE INJURED. Disconnect the source of power or call for assistance, then begin first aid. Primary concern is airway, breathing, circulation, and cervical spine immobilization, then assess for additional In]unes.


3. CHEMICAL INJURIES: Remove clothing before flushing with water. Check for contact lenses, which should be removed before irrigation. Use caution not to flush chemical on parts of body that are not contaminated. Read the container label for information or consult with Poison Control Center before administering first aid for specific chemical reactions.

"A burn injury may be one while painful, poses no risk to the patient's life and will heal with no cosmetic deformity or impairment. Unfortunately, burn injuries can also be the most serious forms of injury that a patient experiences, places their life at great risk and causes long term impairment and disability. Recognizing burn injuries and the importance of initial intervention are critical to a successful outcome. Richard L. Gamelli, M.D. Loyola University Burn Center

              

Last Updated: May 28, 1999