Burns are a common and potentially serious injury that requires prompt and effective first aid. The severity of burns can vary widely, from mild sunburn to life-threatening thermal injuries. Below, we’ll explore the signs, symptoms, types of burns, and their treatment according to the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines.
What Are Burns?
A burn is an injury to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burns can damage not only the outer layer of the skin but also deeper tissues, muscles, and bones in severe cases.
Types of Burns
- Thermal Burns:
- Caused by exposure to heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects.
- Chemical Burns:
- Result from contact with corrosive substances, including acids, alkalis, or other chemicals.
- Electrical Burns:
- Occur when electrical currents pass through the body, potentially causing deep tissue damage.
- Radiation Burns:
- Caused by exposure to radiation, including sunburn or radiation therapy.
- Friction Burns:
- Result from skin rubbing against a hard surface, combining heat and abrasion.
Signs and Symptoms of Burns
Burns can present differently depending on their depth and severity. These are the key characteristics of each type:
Superficial (First-Degree) Burns:
- Red, dry skin.
- Mild swelling.
- Painful to touch.
- No blisters.
Partial-Thickness (Second-Degree) Burns:
- Red or mottled skin.
- Blisters present.
- Swelling.
- Moist appearance.
- Severe pain.
Full-Thickness (Third-Degree) Burns:
- White, charred, or leathery skin.
- Lack of pain in the center due to nerve damage (may still be painful around the edges).
- Swelling.
Treatment of Burns
Proper first aid for burns is crucial to minimize damage and improve recovery outcomes. Follow these ARC-recommended steps for burn treatment:
- Ensure Safety:
- Check the scene for hazards, such as fire, chemicals, or electrical currents.
- Remove the person from the source of the burn if it is safe to do so.
- Stop the Burning Process:
- For thermal burns: Cool the burn immediately with cool running water (preferably 15–25°C) for 20 minutes. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as this can worsen tissue damage.
- For chemical burns: Brush off any dry chemicals, then flush the area with running water for at least 20 minutes.
- For electrical burns: Turn off the power source before approaching the casualty.
- Assess the Burn:
- Determine the size, depth, and location of the burn. Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or large areas of the body may require emergency care.
- Protect the Burn:
- Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing (e.g., plastic cling film or a sterile burn sheet).
- Avoid applying creams, ointments, or oils.
- Prevent Shock:
- Lay the person down and elevate their legs if possible.
- Keep the person warm with a blanket, avoiding contact with the burn area.
- Seek Medical Assistance:
- Call emergency services (000 in Australia) for severe burns, burns involving critical areas, or if the person is experiencing shock.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
- Burns that cover more than 10% of the body surface area.
- Burns to the face, eyes, hands, feet, or genitals.
- Full-thickness burns of any size.
- Burns caused by chemicals or electricity.
- Signs of infection (e.g., increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus).
- Difficulty breathing or burns from inhaling smoke or toxic fumes.
Preventing Burns
Prevention is always better than treatment. Simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of burns:
- Use caution around open flames and hot liquids.
- Keep chemicals and electrical appliances out of children’s reach.
- Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing in the sun.
- Follow safety guidelines when handling chemicals or working near heat sources.
Burns can range from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Knowing how to identify, treat, and prevent burns is essential. For more information or to learn practical burn management techniques, consider enrolling in a first aid course with The First Aid Training Guy.