chapter 21: Burn Emergencies
Burns are injuries to the skin—the body’s largest organ. How you treat a burn depends on how deep the damage is.
Burns can happen from:
- Fire
- Hot liquids or steam
- Chemicals
- Electrical sources
- Faulty appliances
- Motor vehicle accidents
Kitchen accidents, like touching a hot stove or spilling boiling water, are very common causes.
Signs and Symptoms
- Redness or swelling
- Blisters
- Pain or tenderness
- Numbness
- Peeling skin or fluid
- Trouble breathing (in severe cases)
- Signs of shock
The skin may appear red, white, charred, or leathery depending on severity.
Types of Burns
- First-degree burn:
Affects only the outer layer of skin. Causes redness, mild swelling, and pain.
- Second-degree burn:
Damages deeper layers. Often includes blisters, pain, and swelling.
- Third-degree burn:
The most serious type. May destroy tissue. Skin can look white, black, or charred and may feel numb.
What NOT to Do
- Do not apply ointments, butter, or home remedies to serious burns.
- Do not use ice directly on the burn.
- Do not remove clothing stuck to the skin.
- Do not pop blisters.
- Do not give food or drink if the burn is severe.
First Aid Steps
- Make sure the scene is safe, especially if electricity or chemicals are involved.
- If clothing is on fire, tell the person to Stop, Drop, and Roll.
- Call 9-1-1 for serious burns.
- Remove jewelry or tight clothing near the burn if it is not stuck to the skin.
- Cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) running water for several minutes.
- Cover the burn loosely with a dry, sterile dressing.
- Monitor for signs of shock.
- If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
