BurnsBurns70% of burn

injuries occur in the home

PreventionPrevention

Smoke alarms Candles (xmas) Pan placement on stoves Fire extinguisher Care around flammable products

– (gasoline, kerosene) Nephew Appliances off Fireplace and wood stoves inspected

Practice A Family Fire DrillPractice A Family Fire Drill

Ladder for upstairsBaseball bat for windowsStickers on windowsPlan an alternate escape

routeMeet outside at a

designated place

House Fire ScenarioHouse Fire Scenario

You are in a bedroom, the door is closed, what do you do?

House Fire ScenarioHouse Fire Scenario

Drop to hands and knees (more toxic next to the floor)

Crawl to door– Feel door, knob

If hot, do not openMost deaths are from

smoke inhalation

BurnsBurnsThermalChemicalElectrical

Thermal BurnsThermal BurnsCaused by :

– Flames– Hot objects– Flammable vapor that ignites– Steam or hot liquid

(baby in Texas)

Thermal Burns: Thermal Burns: What To DoWhat To Do

StopDropRoll

Thermal Burns: Thermal Burns: What To Do #2What To Do #2

Remove smoldering, hot, or burned clothing

Do not remove “stuck” clothingRemove jewelry (necklace burn)

Thermal Burns: What To DoThermal Burns: What To Do

Make quick assessment– Check ABC’s

It is appropriate to consider the following but don’t waste time – Determine depth of burn– Determine extent of burn (rule of 9’s

Head = 9% (18% child & infant) One hand and arm = 9% Each leg = 18 % (14% child and infant) Front torso = 18% (9% upper half, 9% lower half) Back torso = 18% (9% upper half, 9% lower half)

Thermal Burns: Thermal Burns: What To DoWhat To Do

Rule of palm = 1%– Use for scatter burns

See physician for burns to face, hands, feet or genitals

Circumferential burn? See physicianDoes victim have other medical problems?

Chemical BurnsChemical BurnsCaused by:

–Acids (batteries)–Alkalis (drain cleaners- often

more extensive)–Organic compounds (oil

products)

Chemical BurnsChemical BurnsIf substance is dry:

– Brush off before rinsing with water– Protect yourself

After brushing off chemical, or after exposure to liquid chemical:

– Rinse with water for 20 minutes or longer– Remove contaminated clothing while flushing with

water– Final rinse? Use soap

Chemical Burns #2Chemical Burns #2Call poison controlCover with dry sterile dressingDo not try to neutralize a chemical

– (save label)Seek medical attention for all

chemical burns

Chemical Burn to the EyeChemical Burn to the Eye

Flush 20 minutes with low pressure water– Milk or other non-irritating liquid– Remove contacts– Flush outward– Roll eyeball

Loosely bandage both eyes with cold, wet dressings

Seek medical attention

Electrical BurnsElectrical Burns

Prevention: – Outlet covers– Breakers – Gadget for checking power– Excessive number of power cords

plugged in

Electrical BurnsElectrical Burns

External burns may not be present

May induce:– ventricular fibrillation

(cardiac problems)– Respiration problems

“Freeze” due to muscle spasms

ElectrocutionElectrocution– Electricity travels along nerves and

vessels– Exits body where it is in contact with

ground– May have several exit sites

Surface injury may be “tip of the ice berg”

Car Accident Involving Power Car Accident Involving Power LineLine

What should you do first?Should you remove victim from the

vehicle?What if you feel tingling in your legs?Should you try to remove downed

wires or poles?(buried power line)

Someone Has Made Contact Someone Has Made Contact with Power Inside Your with Power Inside Your

HouseHouse

What would you do first?Then :

– Check ABC’s– Treat for shock– Seek medical attention

What to do for What to do for Electrical BurnsElectrical Burns

Once the power is off, Check ABC’sSpinal injury from fall?Treat for shockMost are 3rd degree

– Cover with sterile dressing, elevate body part– Seek medical attention (burn center)– (combine / lift)

Degree of BurnsDegree of BurnsFirst-degree (superficial)Second-degree (partial

thickness)Third-degree (full

thickness)

First Degree Burns First Degree Burns (superficial)(superficial)

Affects outer layer of skinRedness, swelling, tenderness,

painUsually heals without scarring

Care of First-Degree Care of First-Degree BurnsBurns

Immerse in cold water 10 to 45 minutes or use cold, wet cloths– Cold stops burn progression– May use other liquids– Do not apply cold on burn covering >20% of the body

Aspirin or ibpuprofen Acetaminophen will not reduce inflammation

Bacitracin (no other OTC products)– Aloe vera , moisturizer lotion– Dressing?

Drink plenty of water

First Degree BurnsFirst Degree Burns

Do not:– Cover first degree burns– Do not use anesthetic sprays with

benzocaine (may cause contact dermatitis)

Second Degree Burns Second Degree Burns (partial thickness)(partial thickness)

Extends into the inner layer of skin

Blisters, swelling, weeping, severe pain

Care of Second Degree Care of Second Degree Burns Burns

Immerse in cold water / wet packAspirin or ibuprofenDrink plenty of waterApply bacitracin or Silvedene (do not use home

remedies)Cover burn with non-sticking dressing If burn is extensive:

– Treat for shock / seek medical attention

Do not break blisters Hot tar on lip

Third Degree BurnsThird Degree Burns Extends through skin, muscle and

bone -Nerve endings are destroyed Discoloration

Area larger than a half-dollar requires tissue removal and grafting to properly heal

Care of Third Degree Care of Third Degree BurnsBurns

Usually not necessary to apply cold to areas of third degree

Do not apply ointments Apply sterile, non-stick dressings (do not use plastic)Check ABC’sTreat for shockMedical help

– (radiator burn)

SunburnSunburn Usually 1st degree, sometimes 2nd degree Cool compresses Drink plenty of fluids Fever / chills Use lotions, bacitracin (lake, snow skiing, lips, ears) Prevention:

– Sunscreen: SPF 30 has only 3% > protection than SPF 15 Skin cancer

Respiratory Tract BurnsRespiratory Tract Burns

All must receive medical care Nose to trachea receives brunt of the burn Swelling may appear in 2 to 24 hours Chlorine

– Add to water Wall paper removers Bathroom cleaning agents (chemistry set)

– Use products in well ventilated area– Don’t mix ammonia and bleach

Toilet bowl flushes

Other Moderate to Other Moderate to SevereSevere Burns Requiring Burns Requiring

Medical CareMedical Care Under 5 years old / over 55 Breathing difficulties Other injuries Electrical injury Suspected child abuse (teacher liability) 2nd degree >20% of body Third degree