Burns

Student presentation for PDHPE class.

1. K A T H R Y N E L S T O
N .
PDHPE
Assessment Task 4
First Aid – BURNS

2. 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.

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

4. DEGREES OF BURNS

5. 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.

6. 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.

8. 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