K A T H R Y N E L S T O N .

PDHPEAssessment Task 4First Aid – BURNS

Nature of the medical condition or injury

• There are three different levels of burns, they vary due to the amount of damage caused they include, first degree, second degree and third degree burns.

• Damage to the epidermis is caused by a first degree burn, the result of this is swelling, pain, redness, however first degree burns normally heal without scarring. Sunburn is a common type of this burn.

• A second degree burn results in damage to the dermis as well as the epidermis, it has the same symptoms as a first degree burn however it can result in blistering.

• When damage reaches past the upper layers of skin to the sensitive subcutaneous tissue, destroys nerves and blood vessels, this is called a third degree burn. These burns are very serious and can be fatal, due to infection.

Different types of burns

• Different burns include:• Flame and scald burns• Inhalation• Electrical and Lightening burns• Chemical burns.

DEGREES OF BURNS

Signs and symptoms associated with burns

• Burns cause severe pain, can produce blisters, swelling, redness and peeling skin. Burns can result in headaches or fevers.

• Serious burns can lead to the casualty being in shock, which causes symptoms of rapid pulse , clammy skin, blue lips or fingernails, feeling weak or faint, having respiratory difficulties or infection.

• Severe burn can also lead to serious psychological trauma if a person is deformed in any way.

Apply current primary management techniques for each

listed injury or condition.• Remove the casualty from danger, put out any fire or

remove corrosive material. • Check DRABCD.• If the burns are serious immediately call 000• Ensure that only the affected areas are cooled for up to

20 minutes with cold water, no ice, oils, or lotions are to be used.

• Remove any excess clothing or jewellery etc. do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin, if it is a serious burn.

• Cover any burnt areas with sterile dressings.• Elevate serious burnt limbs.• If the burn is severe the person may be at risk of post

traumatic shock, the person must be wrapped up to prevent this from occurring.

• Depression is often a consequent of serious burns, if a person suffers severe burns they should be screened for depression before they leave hospital.

Bibliography

• Books:• The authorised manual of The St. John

Ambulance Association in Australia and The Australian Red Cross Society, SECOND EDITION (1980) published by St. Johns Ambulance Association.

• First Aid John Lippmann and David Natoli (2007) published by Submariner Publications P/L

• Websites:• http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/

common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/burns.jsp

• http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/BurnInj.html