Burns First Aid PDF

Prepared by Dr. Asmaa Ramadan Biochemistry Lecturer Burns First Aid The skin……………………………………….1 How skin regulates body temperature............. 2 Consequences of burn....................................... 2 Classification of burns........................................

Prepared by Dr. Asmaa Ramadan Biochemistry Lecturer Burns First Aid The skin……………………………………….1 How skin regulates body temperature............. 2 Consequences of burn....................................... 2 Classification of burns...................................... 3 Burns that require hospital treatment............... 4 Types of burns................................................. 4 1- Severe burns and scalds..................... 4 2- Minor burns and scalds...................... 6 3- Burns to the airway............................ 7 4- Electrical burn.................................... 8 5- Chemical burn.................................... 9 DRATES BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE  The Skin Skin structure: An outer layer (Epidermis): − Dead, flattened skin cells, which are constantly replaced by new cells made in the lower part of this layer. − The epidermis is protected by an oily substance called sebum secreted from glands called sebaceous glands. An inner layer (Dermis): − Contains the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and hair roots (follicles). − The ends of sensory nerves within the dermis register sensations from surface, such as heat, cold, pain and even the slightest touch. − Blood vessels supply the skin with nutrients and help to regulate body temperature by preserving or releasing heat. Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 1  Functions: Protecting the body from injury and infection. Maintaining the body at a constant temperature within its optimum range of (36–37°C). How Skin regulates body temperature Consequences of burn: 1. No longer skin function effectively as a natural barrier against infection. 2. The casualty may suffer from hypothermia. 3. Loss of body tissue fluid?? because tiny blood vessels in the skin leak tissue fluid (serum) through the surface, causing significant fluid loss causing fluid collects under the skin to form blisters. 4. Infection may develop later. 5. Shock Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 2  Classification of burns According to the depth of skin damage – 3 depths –: Superficial burns (1st degree): Involves only the outermost layer of skin Characterized by redness, swelling, and tenderness Partial-thickness burns (2nd degree): This affects the epidermis, and the skin becomes red and raw. Blisters form over the skin due to fluid released from the damaged tissues Beneath. Full thickness burns (3rd degree): All the layers of the skin are affected, damage to nerves, fat tissue, muscles, and blood vessels. Pain sensation is lost, which masks the severity of the injury. The skin may be White or blackened Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 3  Burns that require hospital treatment 1) All partial thickness burns larger than 10% of the total body surface area. 2) All full-thickness burns. 3) All burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals. 4) Electrical burns, including lightning injury. 5) Chemical burns. 6) Burns to airway. 7) Pre-existing medical disorders that could complicate treatment of burn. Types of Burns 1- Severe burns and scalds Thermal burns: deep or extensive. Casualty has been injured in a fire, assume that smoke or hot air has also affected his airway and lungs. Recognition Possible areas of superficial, partial thickness, and full-thickness burns, pain, difficulty breathing, signs of shock Procedures in severe burns and scalds: 1. Cooling the burn as soon as possible after the injury occurred. Flood the burn with plenty of cool tap water for at least 10 – 20 min. Help the casualty sit or lie down. Try to prevent the burned area from direct contact with the ground. 2. Call 123 for emergency help. 3. Continue cooling the affected area till the pain is relieved: Do not overcool the casualty because you may lower the body temperature to a dangerous level (babies and elderly people). Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 4  4. Expose injury but do not touch the burn. Gently remove rings, watches, belts, shoes, and burned or flaming clothing before the tissues begin to swell. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn but cut around it. 5. Cover the injured area with plastic wrap to protect it from infection. A clean plastic bag can be used to cover a hand or foot; secure it with a bandage or adhesive tape. 6. Reassure the casualty and treat him for shock Record details of the casualty’s injuries. Watch for signs of breathing difficulty. Monitor and record his vital signs (response, breathing, pulse) till emergency help arrives. Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 5  Caution: 1) Do not remove anything sticking to the burn 2) Do not apply ice on the skin 3) Do not burst any blisters. 4) Do not apply any lotion or ointment (oil-based products) to the burned area; it may damage tissues and increase the risk of infection. 5) The use of specialized dressings, sprays, and gels to cool burns is not recommended. 6) Do not use adhesive dressings or adhesive tape direct to the skin 7) Do not allow the casualty to eat or drink because he may need an anesthetic. 2- Minor burns and scalds Due to domestic incidents, such as touching a hot iron or oven rack. Can be treated successfully by first aid and will heal naturally Procedure in minor burns and scalds: 1. Cool burn By flooding the injured part with cold water for 10 min till the pain is relieved If water is not available, any cold, harmless liquid can be used. 2. Expose injury Gently remove any jewellery, watches, belts, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell. 3. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean plastic bag over a foot or hand. Apply the wrap lengthwise over the burn. Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 6  3- Burns to the airway Any burn to the face, mouth, or throat is serious because the air passages may become swollen, blocked and a serious risk of hypoxia. Suspect damage to the airway if a casualty inhaled hot air or gas in an enclosed space. Procedure: 1. Call 123 for emergency help. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect burns to the casualty’s airway. 2. Take any steps possible to improve the casualty’s air supply, such as loosening clothing around his neck. 3. Offer the casualty small sips of cold water to reduce swelling and pain. 4. Reassure the casualty. Monitor and record vital signs (level of response, breathing, and pulse) while waiting for help Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 7  4- Electrical burn Burns may be caused by a lightning strike or by a low- or high voltage electric current. Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest. A burn from lightning strike Procedure: 1. Contact with electrical source must be broken before touching casualty. 2. Flood the injury with cold water (entry & exit points) for at least 10 min till pain is relieved (Or any cold, harmless liquid can be used). 3. Place a clean plastic bag over a burn on a foot or hand, 4. Call 123 for emergency help. 5. Reassure the casualty and treat him from shock. Monitor and record vital signs while waiting for help. Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 8  5- Chemical burn Burnes caused by corrosive chemicals are found in industry & in home Procedure: 1. Make sure that it is safe area around the casualty: Ventilate the area to disperse fumes. Wear protective gloves to prevent you from coming into contact with the chemical. If it is safe to do so, seal the chemical container and move the casualty if necessary. If the chemical is in powder form, it can be brushed off the skin. 2. Flood the burn with water for 20-30 min to disperse the chemical and stop the burning: If treating a casualty lying on the ground, ensure that the contaminated water does not collect underneath him. Pour water away from yourself to avoid being splashed. 3. Gently remove any contaminated clothing while flooding the injury. 4. Arrange to take or send the casualty to hospital. Monitor vital signs – breathing, pulse and level of response– while waiting for medical help. Tell details of the chemical to medical staff if you can identify it Dr. Asmaa Ramadan ǀ First Aid 9