Traumatic burns and scalds

What is the definition of a burn?

Injury caused by thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation energy

What is the definition of a scald?

A burn caused by contact with a hot liquid or steam

Name some potential risk factors/MOI for burns

Building fires

Poverty & overcrowding

Underlying medical conditions (disabilities etc)

Assaults

RTCs

What are classification of burns usually characterised by?

Extent of skin damage

What is a 1st degree burn?

Superficial thickness

E.g, sunburn

Red, warm, painful

What is a 2nd degree burn?

Partial thickness

Blistering, painful, glistening wound bed

What is a 3rd degree burn?

Full thickness

Leathery, white to charred, dead tissue

What is a 4th degree burn?

Burn to subcut fat, muscle and bone

What is a thermal burn caused by?

Fire or heat. Direct injury to the skin and tissue

What is a scald caused by? What makes a greater scald?

Hot liquid

The thicker the liquid and the longer in contact with the skin, the greater

What are radiation burns caused by?

Exposure to radiation

What are electrical burns caused by?

Currents of electricity

What are electrical burns usually like?

Very deep and may cause severe damage to skin and underlying tissue

What are patients who suffer from electrical burns most at risk of?

Cardiac arrest due to current passing through myocardium

What are some questions you may ask yourself if you suspect non accidental burns?

Is the explanation of what happened consistent with the injury?

Are there contradictory accounts of the incident?

Are the burns located on the buttocks, the area between the child’s legs, or on the ankles, wrists, palms or soles?

Are there other injuries present?

Was there a delay in seeking medical attention?

Do those who are present seem to be angry or resentful towards the child or each other?

Describe the rule of 9s assessment tool for burns…

Body divided into areas of 9%

Total burn area can be calculated

Name some S&S of airway burns

Facial or neck burns

Soot in the nasal or oral cavity

Productive cough (black sputum)

Dyspnoea

Blistering around mouth and tongue

Stridor

Wheezing

LOC

Why should burns only be irrigated for a maximum of 20 minutes?

To avoid hypothermia

Why should jewellery be removed?

It may retain residual heat

Why should thermal management be considered with burns patients?

Because they are prone to hypothermia due to skin damage