Essential Emergency Care Tips for Severe Burns

When faced with severe burns, your immediate actions can make a significant difference in the victim’s outcome.

You’ll need to assess the situation quickly and take steps to prevent further injury. From cooling the burn to protecting it from contamination, each action you take is crucial.

But there’s more to emergency burn care than just these initial steps. As you navigate through this critical situation, you’ll discover that proper management involves a series of carefully executed procedures.

What other essential steps should you take to guarantee the best possible care for a burn victim?

Let’s explore the thorough approach to emergency burn care.

Key Takeaways

Assess burn severity by evaluating depth, size, and location, using the ‘rule of nines’ for estimating affected body surface area.

• Stop the burning process immediately by removing the heat source and cooling the burn with cool water for 10-20 minutes.

• Remove clothing and jewellery near the burn area carefully, cutting around stuck fabric if necessary.

• Cover the cooled burn loosely with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to protect from contamination.

Seek immediate medical attention for severe burns, especially those covering large areas or affecting sensitive regions.

Assess the Burn Severity

Quickly evaluate the burn’s depth, size, and location to determine its severity.

Use burn classification methods to categorise the injury as first, second, or third-degree. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, appearing red and painful. Second-degree burns involve the first two layers, causing blistering and severe pain. Third-degree burns damage all skin layers and may appear charred or white.

For initial assessment techniques, use the ‘rule of nines‘ to estimate the burn’s size. This method divides the body into sections, each representing 9% of total surface area. Calculate the affected percentage to gauge severity. Burns covering more than 10% of the body in adults or 5% in children are considered serious.

Pay attention to the burn’s location. Injuries to the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints are more critical. Check for signs of inhalation injury, such as singed nasal hair or difficulty breathing.

Stop the Burning Process

After evaluating the burn’s severity, your immediate priority is to halt the burning process and prevent further tissue damage. This vital step in burn prevention and first aid can greatly impact the outcome of the injury.

If the victim’s clothing is on fire, instruct them to ‘stop, drop, and roll’ to extinguish the flames. For chemical burns, quickly remove any contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with copious amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

For thermal burns, remove the heat source and cool the burn with cool (not cold) water for 10-20 minutes. Don’t use ice, as it can cause further damage. If electricity is the cause, confirm the power source is disconnected before approaching the victim. For sunburns, immediately move the person to a shaded area and apply cool compresses.

Throughout this process, be mindful of potential hypothermia, especially in children or if a large body surface area is affected. Once you’ve stopped the burning process, carefully remove any jewellery or tight clothing near the burn site, as swelling may occur.

Remove Clothing and Jewellery

Removing clothing and jewellery near the burn site is essential for preventing further injury and allowing proper assessment.

When performing burn clothing removal, act quickly but carefully. Cut around any clothing that’s stuck to the burn to avoid tearing the skin. Don’t attempt to peel off melted fabrics; leave this to medical professionals.

For areas not directly affected by the burn, gently remove clothing to prevent it from retaining heat. Be cautious with synthetic materials, as they can melt and adhere to the skin. If possible, cool any hot clothing with water before removal.

As for jewellery safety precautions, it’s vital to remove all accessories near the burn area immediately. Rings, watches, and bracelets can restrict blood flow if swelling occurs, potentially causing further damage.

If jewellery is difficult to remove due to swelling, don’t force it. Instead, inform emergency responders so they can take appropriate action.

Cool the Burn Area

Cooling the burn area is an essential step in emergency burn care that helps limit tissue damage and reduce pain.

You’ll want to act quickly but carefully to minimise further harm. Run cool (not cold) water over the burned area for about 10 to 20 minutes. If running water isn’t available, immerse the burn in cool water or apply cool, wet compresses. Avoid using ice packs directly on the burn, as they can cause further damage to the injured tissue.

Don’t apply burn ointments immediately after the injury occurs. These can seal in heat and potentially worsen the burn.
Instead, focus on cooling the area first. Once you’ve cooled the burn, you can cover it loosely with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth to protect it from air and debris.

Protect From Contamination

After cooling the burn, you’ll need to protect it from contamination.

Cover the affected area with a clean, dry cloth to create a barrier against harmful particles.

Don’t apply any creams, ointments, or other substances to the burn, as these can introduce infection and complicate medical treatment.

Cover With Clean Cloth

The next essential step is to protect the burn area from potential contamination by covering it with a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage.

This important first aid measure helps prevent infection and further damage to the injured tissue. When selecting a covering, opt for a non-adherent material that won’t stick to the burn. Sterile gauze is ideal, but in an emergency, a clean cotton sheet or towel can suffice.

Gently place the cloth over the entire burn area, ensuring it’s large enough to cover the wound completely.

Don’t wrap the covering too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow and potentially worsen the injury. If you’re using a bandage, secure it loosely with medical tape, avoiding direct contact with the burn.

Avoid Applying Substances

A common misconception in burn treatment can lead to severe complications: applying various substances to the affected area. It’s essential to resist the urge to use home remedies or follow common myths when treating severe burns.

Despite well-meaning advice, substances like butter, oil, toothpaste, or egg whites can actually worsen the injury and increase the risk of infection. These items aren’t sterile and may introduce harmful bacteria to the wound. They can also trap heat, potentially deepening the burn and causing more tissue damage. Additionally, some substances may interfere with proper medical assessment and treatment when you seek professional care.

Stick to the basics: cool the burn with running water and protect it with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t attempt to remove any clothing that’s stuck to the burn, as this could cause further injury.

Avoid applying ice directly to the burn, as it can damage the skin and worsen the injury. Remember, your primary goal is to prevent further harm and contamination while awaiting medical attention. By avoiding the application of substances, you’re taking an essential step in proper burn care.

Manage Pain and Shock

Pain management and shock prevention are essential steps in severe burn care. As you attend to a burn victim, focus on these vital aspects to improve their chances of recovery.

For pain management, you can administer over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if medical help isn’t immediately available. However, avoid giving aspirin to children.

To prevent shock, lay the person flat on their back with their feet elevated about 12 inches, unless this position causes pain or further injury. Keep the victim warm by covering them with a blanket, but be careful not to place anything directly on the burned area. Monitor their breathing and pulse regularly, and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.

Watch for signs of shock, including pale, cool, and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, and altered mental state. If you suspect shock, seek emergency medical help immediately.

While waiting for professional assistance, keep the person calm and reassured. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths to help manage pain and anxiety.

Treat for Smoke Inhalation

Smoke inhalation can be as dangerous as the burn itself, so you must act quickly.

Look for signs of inhalation injury, such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

If oxygen is available, administer it immediately, and ensure the victim’s airways are clear to prevent further complications.

Recognise Inhalation Injury Signs

Be alert for signs of inhalation injury when treating severe burns, as they can pose additional life-threatening risks. Inhalation symptoms can manifest even without visible burns on the face or neck, so remain vigilant.

Look for singed nasal hairs, soot around the mouth or nostrils, and changes in voice quality, such as hoarseness or a raspy cough.

Observe the victim’s breathing pattern closely. Rapid, shallow breaths or wheezing may indicate smoke exposure and potential airway compromise.

Check for confusion, disorientation, or drowsiness, which can signal oxygen deprivation. Be aware of chest pain or tightness, as these may suggest lung injury.

If you notice facial burns, especially around the mouth or nose, suspect inhalation injury. Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat is a serious sign that requires immediate medical attention.

Look for carbonaceous sputum (black-tinged mucus) when the victim coughs.

Administer Oxygen if Available

If you’ve identified signs of inhalation injury, administering oxygen is a vital step in treating smoke inhalation. Oxygen administration techniques can greatly improve the victim’s condition by increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

If available, use a non-rebreather mask set at 10-15 litres per minute for ideal oxygen delivery. This method provides a higher concentration of oxygen than nasal cannulas or simple face masks.

In the absence of a non-rebreather mask, other oxygen delivery methods can be employed. A nasal cannula, set at 2-6 litres per minute, can provide supplemental oxygen, though less effectively than a mask. If you’re using a bag-valve-mask device, verify it’s connected to an oxygen source and deliver breaths at a rate of 10-12 per minute.

Monitor the victim’s breathing and oxygen saturation levels if possible. Continue oxygen administration until emergency medical services arrive.

Clear Airways Immediately

Immediate airway clearance is critical when treating burn victims for potential smoke inhalation. You must prioritise airway management to guarantee the patient can breathe effectively. Start by evaluating the victim’s respiratory status, looking for signs of distress such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

If you suspect smoke inhalation, position the patient upright to help open their airways. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose. Listen for unusual breathing sounds and observe chest movements.

If the victim is unconscious, carefully tilt their head back to open the airway, making sure you don’t move their neck if there’s a potential spine injury.

In severe cases, you may need to perform rescue breathing or CPR. Be prepared to suction the airway if there’s excessive mucus or debris. If available, administer humidified oxygen to help soothe irritated airways and improve oxygenation.

Apply Appropriate Dressings

Proper dressing application is essential for protecting the burn area and promoting healing. After cooling the burn, you’ll need to apply appropriate dressings to prevent infection and support wound healing. Choose sterile, non-stick dressing materials specifically designed for burns. These may include gauze, hydrogel sheets, or specialised burn dressings.

Before applying the dressing, gently clean the area with sterile saline solution. Don’t use cotton wool or adhesive dressings, as they can stick to the burn and cause further damage. Apply the dressing loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. If blisters are present, don’t pop them; they provide natural protection.

For larger burns, you may need to use multiple dressings. Verify you cover the entire affected area, including a margin of healthy skin around the burn. Secure the dressing with bandages, but avoid wrapping too tightly as this can restrict blood flow and impede healing.

Change the dressing regularly, following medical advice on frequency. During changes, inspect the burn for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

You should call 000 immediately for severe burns, especially those covering large areas or involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

When contacting emergency services, be prepared to provide vital information about the burn, including its cause, extent, and the victim’s medical history.

It’s important to follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

When to Call 000

Certain burn injuries require immediate emergency medical attention, necessitating a 000 call without delay. Understanding burn classification is vital in determining when to seek emergency care.

You should call 000 immediately if the burn:

1. Covers a large area of the body, especially if it’s a second or third-degree burn.

2. Affects sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.

3. Results from chemical exposure or electrical sources.

4. Is accompanied by difficulty breathing or signs of shock.

Don’t hesitate to call emergency responders if you’re unsure about the severity of the burn. It’s better to err on the side of caution when dealing with potentially life-threatening injuries.

While waiting for help to arrive, make sure the burned person is no longer in contact with the heat source and begin appropriate first aid measures. Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burned area, unless it’s stuck to the skin. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth to protect it from further contamination.

Necessary Medical Information Provided

Providing essential information to emergency responders can greatly improve the burn victim’s care and treatment outcomes. When you call for help, be prepared to give accurate details about the burn injury. Start by describing the cause of the burn, whether it’s thermal, chemical, or electrical. This information helps responders prepare appropriate equipment and treatment protocols.

Next, estimate the extent of the burn using the ‘rule of nines,’ a key component of burn classification systems. This method divides the body into sections, each representing 9% of total surface area. Communicate which areas are affected and their approximate size. Also, describe the burn’s appearance, noting colour, texture, and any visible blistering or charring.

Inform responders about the victim’s age, weight, and any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies. If possible, provide details on the victim’s tetanus vaccination status. Mention any first aid measures you’ve already taken, such as cooling the burn or removing clothing.

Your ability to provide this significant information stems from proper emergency response training. It’s essential in ensuring the most effective and timely care for the burn victim.

Monitor Vital Signs

Monitoring essential signs is critical when caring for someone with severe burns. Important signs provide essential information about the patient’s condition and help guide treatment decisions. You’ll need to closely observe and record these key indicators using appropriate monitoring techniques.

Here are the important signs you should monitor:

1. Body temperature

2. Pulse rate

3. Respiratory rate

4. Blood pressure

Keep a close eye on body temperature, as burn victims often struggle with thermoregulation. Use a thermometer to check regularly, watching for signs of hypothermia or fever.

Monitor pulse rate by feeling the carotid artery or using a pulse oximeter.

Count respirations for a full minute, noting any laboured breathing or changes in rhythm.

For blood pressure, use a manual or automated cuff, recording both systolic and diastolic readings.

Be alert for sudden changes in any important signs, as these may indicate shock or other complications.

Record all measurements accurately and frequently, typically every 15 minutes for severe burns. If you notice any significant deviations from normal ranges, seek immediate medical assistance.

Your diligent monitoring can make an essential difference in the patient’s outcome.

Prevent Hypothermia

Three key strategies can help you prevent hypothermia in burn victims, a critical concern in emergency care.

First, implement effective thermoregulation strategies. Cover the victim with clean, dry blankets or sheets, ensuring you don’t place anything directly on the burned areas. If available, use specialised burn blankets that provide insulation without sticking to wounds.

Second, manage environmental considerations. Shield the victim from wind and cold surfaces. If outdoors, move them to a sheltered area. Indoors, close windows and doors to maintain a warm environment. Be cautious with air conditioning, as it can rapidly cool a burn victim.

Third, monitor and maintain the victim’s core body temperature. If possible, use warmed intravenous fluids as prescribed by medical professionals. Avoid applying external heat sources directly to the skin, as this can worsen burns or cause additional injury.

Document the Incident

Record essential details about the burn incident as soon as it’s safe to do so. Accurate incident documentation is critical for medical treatment and potential legal purposes. Create a thorough burn report that includes necessary information about the circumstances surrounding the injury.

When documenting the incident, focus on these key elements:

1. Time and date of the burn

2. Cause of the burn (e.g., chemical, thermal, electrical)

3. Location and extent of the burn on the body

4. First aid measures applied at the scene

Be as specific as possible when describing the burn’s cause and any contributing factors. If it’s a workplace incident, note any safety equipment present or absent. Include witness statements if available, and photograph the burn area if appropriate and permitted.

Preserve any relevant physical evidence, such as the burning agent or faulty equipment. This documentation will be indispensable for medical professionals treating the burn and may be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Keep the burn report in a secure location and provide copies to relevant parties, such as healthcare providers or employers, as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions