First Aid: Burns and Treatment

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Questions and Answers

What is a common symptom to look for in electrical burns?

Multiple third-degree burns (correct)

Discoloration without pain

Constant itching

Redness and swelling

What is the first step in treating a chemical burn after ensuring safety?

Apply ice to the burn area

Neutralize the chemical with vinegar

Brush off the chemical with a gloved hand (correct)

Apply an ointment to soothe the burn

How long should a chemical burn be flushed with cool running water?

10 seconds

Until the pain disappears

5 minutes

20 minutes (correct)

What action should be taken if a chemical burn occurs in the eye?

Wash the eye with warm water for at least 20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should you avoid when addressing a chemical burn?

Neutralizing the chemical Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary layer of skin that comprises closely packed epithelial cells?

Epidermis Signup and view all the answers

Which degree of burn affects only the top layer of the epidermis?

First-degree burn Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of burns if not treated properly?

Cell death Signup and view all the answers

What defines the hypodermis of the skin?

It connects the skin to underlying fascia. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method by which burns can occur?

Indirect food consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is a key skill required for first aid providers when dealing with burn victims?

Demonstrating rapid assessment of the situation Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue is primarily found in the dermis layer of the skin?

Dense irregular connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the professional skills emphasized in first aid training regarding burns?

Working effectively in a team Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a second-degree burn?

Blisters and severe pain Signup and view all the answers

Which type of burn is characterized by numb skin and requires medical assistance for healing?

Third-degree burn Signup and view all the answers

What is the healing time for a first-degree burn?

Within a week Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a determinant of burn severity?

Depth of the burn Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'Rule of Hand' in relation to burns?

A person's hand equals 1% of their body surface area Signup and view all the answers

Which situation could potentially lead to a third-degree burn?

Contact with a fire Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms indicate a first-degree burn?

Redness and mild swelling Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is at a higher risk of complications from severe burns?

Children under age 4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in treating a first-degree burn?

Immerse burned area in cool water for at least 10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates that medical care should be sought for a burn?

Burns on the face or neck Signup and view all the answers

For a small second-degree burn, what should be applied over the cooled area after treatment?

Antibacterial ointment Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be done to treat a first-degree burn?

Break any blisters that form Signup and view all the answers

If someone has a large second-degree burn, what is the first action to take?

Call the local emergency number Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when cooling a third-degree burn?

Avoiding hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign that a burn may require emergency care?

Coughing or wheezing after inhaling heat Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to clothing in the area of a burn?

Remove clothing and all jewelry from the burn area Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first when someone has a thermal burn?

Elevate the affected body parts Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT recommended for a severe burn?

Break any blisters that form Signup and view all the answers

What symptom might indicate an inhalation burn?

Change in voice Signup and view all the answers

How should you react if a person is electrocuted?

Call emergency services Signup and view all the answers

Why is it dangerous to immerse large severe burns in cold water?

It can lead to hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if someone has smoke inhalation symptoms?

Get them into the fresh air Signup and view all the answers

What is a key danger associated with electrical burns?

Most injuries are internal and not visible Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you witness someone electrocuted by a power line?

Call emergency and wait for assistance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First Aid Course PHMU 702 - Lecture 4: Burns

Burns are a type of soft tissue injury
Burns occur from direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemicals
Burns can cause cell death, requiring hospitalization and potentially being fatal

Skin Anatomy

The skin has two main layers:
- The epidermis: composed of closely packed epithelial cells
- The dermis: made of dense irregular connective tissue, containing blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and other structures
The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer): lies beneath the dermis, composed of well-vascularized loose connective tissue and fatty tissue
The hypodermis connects the skin to the underlying fascia of bones and muscles

Levels of Burns

First-degree burn: (Superficial)
- Damages only the top layer of the epidermis
- Symptoms: redness, mild swelling, tenderness, pain
- Usually heals within a week without permanent scarring
- Common causes: sun exposure, brief contact with hot objects/liquids
Second-degree burn: (Partial thickness)
- Damages the epidermis and dermis
- Symptoms: blisters, swelling, weeping of fluid, severe pain
- Usually heals in 3-4 weeks, may scar
- Common causes: severe sunburns, contact with hot objects/liquids
Third-degree burn: (Full thickness)
- Damages all layers of skin and underlying tissues
- Symptoms: dry, leathery, gray/blackened skin, potential numbness
- Requires medical assistance (e.g., skin grafting) and likely to scar
- Common causes: contact with fire, extreme heat, electricity

Severity of Burns

Factors affecting severity:
- Size of the burn area: measured using the "Rule of Hand"
- Depth of the burn: superficial, partial, or full-thickness
- Location of the burn: face, hands, feet, and genitals are more critical
- Age of the patient: children and elderly are more vulnerable

Thermal Burns: Treatment and Actions

First-degree burn: Immerse area in cool water or apply a cool compress for at least 10 minutes, if needed, take ibuprofen (or acetaminophen for children), keep burn area raised, apply aloe Vera gel or moisturizer, no need to cover
Small second-degree burn (less than 20% BSA): Immerse area in cool water/cool compress, pain reliever if needed, apply thin layer of antibacterial ointment, cover with loose dressing
Large second-degree burn (more than 20% BSA): Apply cold but monitor for symptoms, pain reliever if needed, keep burned arm/leg raised, call local emergency number
Third-degree burn: Cover burn with sterile dressing, cool surrounding areas (not exceeding 20% of body), elevate affected area, call emergency

DO NOT DO FOR BURNS

Apply ice or ice water
Touch burn with anything other than clean dressing
Remove clothing stuck to the burn
Try to clean severe burn
Break blisters
Use ointment on severe burns
Immerse large severe burns in cold water (hypothermia)

Inhalation Burns

Risk of inhaling smoke/steam from fire that burns the airways
Symptoms: ash/smoke around mouth/nose, charred lips, grey/black saliva, change in voice, trouble breathing/wheezing, chest pain, blurred vision, dizziness/confusion
Actions: Call emergency, ensure safety, get the victim into fresh air, if conscious, sit/lay them down, if alert, check for pre-existing medical conditions, if not breathing, perform CPR, medical care is essential

Electrical Burns

Inside body damage; outside burn might be small
Actions: Turn off electricity, don't move victim unless danger, if near power lines, call for emergency services, do not touch or move power lines or person, keep people away from the area
Look for: burn wound (small), entrance/exit wounds, multiple burns, tingling/fatigue, headache/muscle pain/spasms, and possible loss of consciousness, absent breathing/pulse.
Actions: perform CPR if needed, call emergency services, check for broken bones/spinal injury, cover burns with sterile dressings

Chemical Burns

Avoid chemical contact (gloves/goggles), if at workplace, check safety data sheets (SDSs) for procedures, if in the eye, tip head and wash the eye with warm water (from nose to side of face) for at least 20 minutes
Symptoms to watch for: pain, burning, difficulty breathing, eye pain, vision changes
Actions: once area is safe, Brush off excess chemicals with protective gloves. Apply large amounts of cool running water to the burn site until medical help arrives. Clothing can be removed during flushing. DO NOT try to neutralize the chemical.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the first aid procedures for various types of burns, including chemical and electrical burns. This quiz covers symptoms, treatment steps, and the anatomy of the skin related to burn injuries. Perfect for first aid training enthusiasts and professionals!