… DISCO INFERNO Freddie Stevens

Just to get us up to temperature! How would you treat a partial thickness burn on a patients forearm as the result of a lighter flame. The patient has a blister on their arm the size of a 10p coin. 1) Break blister and apply pressure to wound to stop fluid leaking from blister 2) Place under cold running water for at least 10 mins 3) Use and ice pack to give R.I.C.E. treatment

Types of Burn Superficial Only damage to the outer most skin layers. Redness, Tenderness and swelling Partial thickness Affects epidermal cell layer Red and raw skin, Blisters for due to fluid leaked from damaged epidermal cells

Types of Burn cont. Full thickness All skin layers are affected in this type of burn May be nerve, fatty tissue, muscle or even blood vessel damage

Causes of burn Dry burn Flames, contact with hot objects Scald Steam and hot liquids Electrical burn Both high and low voltage currents, lightning

Causes of burn cont. Cold Frostbite, cryogenic materials, frozen metals Chemical Burns Industrial and domestic chemicals. Radiation burn Sunburn, UV overexposure, exposure to a radioactive source

When to go to hospital Full thickness Everytime!! Partial thickness If the burn covers more than 1% of the patients body Superficial If the burn covers more than 5% of the patients body (1% = the patients palm and fingers)

When to go to hospital cont. Any mixed burns Any burn to a child or OAP Any burn to face, neck or groin Any burn that fully encompasses a limb If in any doubt, ship them out!!

Minor burns and scalds Superficial burns and smaller partial thickness burns. Signs Reddening of the skin Pain around the burn Blister

Minor burns and scalds cont. Our aim Stop the burning Relieve pain and swelling Minimise infection risk DON’T BREAK BLISTERS DON’T APPLY ADHESIVE DRESSINGS DON’T APPLY OINTMENTS OR SPORTS SPRAYS

Minor burns and scalds cont. Flood the injury for at least 10 mins with cold water Gently remove and constricting objects in case of swelling Apply kitchen film to the burn after the flooding.

Severe burns and scalds Any full thickness burns or larger superficial or partial thickness burns. Signs Shock Pain Potential breathing difficulties

Severe burns and scalds cont. Our aim Stop the burning and relieve pain Minimise infection risk Treat for shock Urgent removal to Hospital Treat associated injuries

Severe burns and scalds cont. DON’T REMOVE ANYTHING STUCK INTO THE BURN DON’T COVER FACIAL BURNS, THIS MAY CAUSE AN AIRWAY PROBLEM OR DISTRESS THE PATIENT DON’T ALLOW THE PATIENT TO EAT OR DRINK

Severe burns and scalds cont. Sit or lie the patient down, try not to let the burn contact the ground. 999!! Flood the burn with cold water for a minimum of 10 mins, beware of overcooling the patient. Gently remove any constricting or still smouldering objects, but try not to touch the burn. Cover with kitchen film and continue to cool with water.

Airway burns Can be from smoke inhalation. Signs Soot around the nose and mouth Redness of mouth and tongue Horse voice Breathing difficulties

Airway burns cont. Our aim Maintain open airway Urgent removal to hospital Loosen any clothing around the neck Give casualty an ice cube to suck on, or small sips of water

Chemical Burns Can irritate, burn or even penetrate the skin. Signs Chemicals in the vicinity Intense, stinging pain Discolouration, blistering, peeling Swelling

Chemical Burns cont. Our aim Make the area safe Disperse the harmful chemical Arrange transport to hospital Ventilate the area to disperse fumes Wear PPE Move patient if necessary

Chemical Burns cont. Flood with water for at least 20 mins Gently remove contaminated clothing.