Providing First Aid for Burns – Flashcards
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an injury that can be caused by fire, heat, chemical agents, radiation and/or electricity
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burn
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involves only the first layer of skin ex) sunburn, brief contact with hot objects
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first degree or superficial
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-causes injury to top layers of skin; involves both the dermis and epidermis -swelling occurs ex) severe sunburn, contact with boiling liquids
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second degree or partial-thickness
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-involves injury to all layers of the skin AND underlying tissue -can be painless -life-threatening ex) exposure to fire/flames, electricity
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third degree or full-thickness
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first aid treatment for burns is directed at removing the ____________, cooling the _______, covering the ____, relieving ______, observing and treating for ______, and preventing ________.
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source of heat; skin area; burn; pain; shock; infection
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identify 4 times when medical care should be obtained for burn victims.
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-more than 15% of the ADULT body is burned -more than 10% of a CHILD'S body is burned -burns affect face or respiratory tract -burns result form chemicals, explosions, or electricity
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what is the main treatment for superficial and mild, partial-thickness burns?
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-cool the area by flushing it with cool water -use dry, sterile gauze to blot the area dry -elevate the affected part if possible
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why is a sterile dressing applied to a burn?
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to prevent infection
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if blisters appear on a burn, how should you treat these?
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DO NOT break any blisters open!
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how should third degree burns be treated?
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-call for medical help immediately -cover with a sterile dressing -elevate the extremity -do not attempt to remove articles of clothing from the burn -watch the victim closely until help arrives
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if chemicals or irritating gases burn the eyes, how should the eye be treated?
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-remove contact lenses if applicable -flush eyes with large amounts of water for 15-20 minutes -allow water to run to the outside of the eye
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why is shock frequently noted in victims with severe burns?
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because of loss of body fluids (dehydration)
