Lesson 2: BURNS AND WOUNDS

BURNS

CAUSES OF BURNS:

Burns occur from:

Heat—Stoves, hot water, and even the sun can cause heat burns.

Chemicals—Caustic chemicals such as Drano (used to clear material out of clogged drains) can cause chemical burns to the skin.

Electricity—Lightning, electrical outlets, and live electrical wires can cause electrical burns.

Radioactive material—Most of us don’t come into contact with radioactive material (such as nuclear waste) on a regular basis. Among other illness and injuries, radioactive material can cause burns.

TYPES OF BURNS:

There are three different types of burns.

FIRST DEGREE BURNS
A first degree burn involves only the outer layer of skin, and no lasting or permanent damage occurs. First degree burns usually heal within 2-3 days. Most sunburns are first degree burns. SYMPTOMS of a first degree burn are generally limited to mild stinging pain and redness at the site of the burn. FIRST AID for a first degree burn, if any is needed, is usually limited to immediately flushing the burned area with cool (NOT COLD) water. Aloe Vera gel, or a topical anesthetic spray (such as Solarcaine or Dermoplast) can be used to lessen the pain of the burn.

SECOND DEGREE BURNS
Second degree burns, also called partial-thickness burns, affect the top layers of the skin, and may occasionally affect part of the deeper layers of skin. With a second degree burn, the skin is able to heal itself, but scarring may occur. Second degree burns typically heal within 2-3 weeks. SYMPTOMS of second degree burns include the redness and pain associated with first degree burns, although the pain may be more intense, as well as the formation of blisters at the site of the burn. Blisters form when the outer layers of the skin separate from the inner layers, and fluid accumulated within the space between the layers. FIRST AID for second degree burns is the same as for first degree burns, with an added caution: if blisters form at the site of the burn, DO NOT pop them! They are there for a reason (to help heal the skin) and popping them before they’re ready doesn’t help, and may even hinder, healing. A popped blister is very painful, and you certainly don’t want to add more pain to an already painful situation. Usually, the body will absorb the fluid inside a blister, and the blister will go away on its own.

THIRD DEGREE BURNS
Third degree burns are also called full-thickness burns, or critical burns. Third degree burns destroy all the layers of skin, and can even affect fat, muscle, and other tissue below the level of the skin. Third degree burns have even been known to destroy bones. Third degree burns can be life-threatening, and require immediate medical attention. SYMPTOMS of a third degree burn vary greatly between those of first and second degree burns. A third degree burn is usually painless, due to the destruction of all nerve endings in the burned area. The burned area can range from an ashy-white color to charred brown or black, possible with white patches underneath. FIRST AID for third degree burns involves managing the victim’s situation until EMS arrives. DO NOT remove any clothing or material from the burned area—peeling clothing off a serious burn may cause more damage. Cover the burn with a CLEAN cloth or sterile dressing. Do not apply pressure. Covering the burn helps prevent heat and fluid loss. The most serious threats to life from a third degree burn are the systemic (body-wide) effects the burn causes:

• Loss of water and plasma.
• Decreased blood circulation.
• Decreased urine production leading to kidney failure.
• A decrease in the body’s immune response.
• A high risk of bacterial infection—the burn area provides an entry point for bacteria into the body.

• ANY suspected third degree burn.
• Any burn victim having trouble breathing.
• Second degree burns covering more than one body part, or affecting the genitals, head, neck, hands, or feet.
• Any burn (other than very minor) to a very young or very old person.
• Any electrical or chemical burn, or a burn from an explosion. Victims in these situations may have internal burns you aren’t able to see.

• Keep pans on the stove on back burners whenever possible, and keep handles turned inward.
• Keep electrical cords out of the reach of children and pets.
• When you are working with an electrical device, make sure it’s unplugged, or the power is turned off.
• Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you must use fireworks: follow directions, NEVER use around children or pets, and when you’re done, make sure all fireworks are properly extinguished.

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