Burns & Bandaging


The most important factors to consider with burns are depth and extent of the burn.

How to determine burn depth: First degree burns involve only the top layer of skin. A good example is sunburn where the skin turns red, but does not blister. Second degree burns are deeper, but do not destroy the entire thickness of skin. The skin will be moist, mottled, red to white, and usually blistered. Third degree burns extend through all layers of skin, and may involve burning of muscles, bones, or internal organs. These burnt areas are dry, leathery, and appear white, dark brown, or charred.

How to determine the extent of burns: One quick way to estimate burnt surface area is to compare it to the size of the patient’s palm; which is approximately 1% of the patient’s total body surface area. The higher the percentage of burnt skin, the greater the risk for infection and other complications. Always get the person to an emergency room if a lot of skin has been burned especially if it's second or third degree burns.

Caring for burns: Immerse the area in cool, sterile water for no more than ten minutes if the area still feels like it’s burning. Then, wrap the burnt area with a dry, sterile dressing.

Dressings and bandaging have three primary functions: to control bleeding, protect the wound, and prevent further contamination and infection. Sterile dressings include 4x4 or 4x8 gauze pads, and soft self-adherent roller dressings (such as kling). Bandages keep the dressing in place, and include rolls of gauze, cravats, and adhesive tape.

Picture

Scenario

A guy is standing next to the campfire when he leans over too far and sets his arm on fire. His hand and arm got burned, and there are blisters all over his skin. What degree of burn does he have, and how can you help him?


Answer: Immediately get the burnt area submerged in cold water to stop the burning. Use burn cream if available, and have the person see a doctor if a large portion of the arm is burnt.