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

1. Make sure the scene is safe, especially if electricity or chemicals are involved.
2. If clothing is on fire, tell the person to Stop, Drop, and Roll.
3. Call 9-1-1 for serious burns.
4. Remove jewelry or tight clothing near the burn if it is not stuck to the skin.
5. Cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) running water for several minutes.
6. Cover the burn loosely with a dry, sterile dressing.
7. Monitor for signs of shock.
8. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.