Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Burns Burns are among the most serious and painful of injuries. A burn occurs when the body or a body part receives more radiant energy then it can absorb. Potential sources of this energy include heat, chemicals, and electricity. Although a burn may seem to be the most obvious injury, always do a complete assessment to determine any other injuries. Children, the elderly, and patients with a chronic illness are more likely to experience shock from burn injuries. Many complications can develop from a burn injury that may cause a life threat. When a person suffers a major burn, there is a high risk for infection, hypothermia (heat loss injury) and shock. Even minor burns to the airway can result in swelling and lead to airway obstruction. Burns that encircle the chest (circumferential) can cause difficulty breathing. All but the most minor burns require immediate medical care.

Severity Determining the seriousness of a burn has five factors with the following three as the most important: 1. The depth of the burn 2. The extent of the burn 3. The location of the burn. Critical areas are the face, upper airway, hands, feet, and genitals. Burns that go completely around a body part are also critical area burns. Additionally you must assess: 4. Pre-existing medical condition or additional injuries. 5. Is the patient’s age under 5 or over 55 years?

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