Burns – EMS SG

Types of Burns: Causes, Effects on Anatomy and Physiology, and Treatment for Paramedics

Burns are classified into different types based on their depth and severity. As paramedics, understanding the different types of burns, their causes, effects on anatomy and physiology, and appropriate treatment is crucial for providing immediate and specialized care to burn patients.

1. Superficial Burns (First-Degree Burns):

Causes:

• Brief exposure to heat, hot objects, or mild chemicals.
• Sunburns from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Effects on Anatomy and Physiology:

• Superficial burns only affect the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
• Patients may experience redness, pain, and mild swelling at the burn site.
• No blistering occurs in first-degree burns.

Treatment:

• Paramedics cool the burn area with cold water or apply cold packs to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Cover the burn with a clean, non-adhesive dressing to protect it from infection.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended for pain management.

1. Partial-Thickness Burns (Second-Degree Burns):

Causes:

• Exposure to hot liquids, flames, chemicals, or flash injuries.
• These burns involve both the epidermis and part of the dermis (second layer of skin).

Effects on Anatomy and Physiology:

• Partial-thickness burns result in blisters, severe pain, and red or white, moist wound beds.
• These burns may be more painful than superficial burns due to nerve involvement.

Treatment:

• Paramedics cool the burn with cold water or dress the burn area with a sterile, non-stick dressing to minimize infection risk.
• Administer pain medication for pain relief.
• In some cases, patients may require referral to a burn center for further evaluation and specialized treatment.

1. Full-Thickness Burns (Third-Degree Burns):

Causes:

• Prolonged exposure to flames, hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical currents.
• Full-thickness burns extend through all layers of the skin, including underlying tissues.

Effects on Anatomy and Physiology:

• Full-thickness burns result in charred, dry, or leathery skin appearance.
• These burns often cause numbness because of nerve damage.
• Deep-tissue involvement may result in eschar formation (dead tissue) and loss of skin sensation.

Treatment:

• Paramedics should keep the patient warm and elevate burned extremities to minimize shock.
• Cover the burn area with a clean, dry, sterile dressing to reduce the risk of infection.
• Administer pain medication as needed for pain management.

1. Fourth-Degree Burns:

Causes:

• Severe exposure to flames, electricity, or chemicals.
• Fourth-degree burns extend beyond the skin layers, affecting muscles, tendons, and bones.

Effects on Anatomy and Physiology:

• Fourth-degree burns involve complete destruction of skin and underlying tissues.
• Patients may experience significant tissue loss and exposed bones or organs.
• These burns often result in profound disability and long-term complications.

Treatment:

• Paramedics must ensure the patient’s airway and breathing are secured.
• Elevate and cover the burn area with a clean, sterile dressing.
• Administer pain medication and IV fluids for pain control and fluid resuscitation.

Burns are complex injuries that vary in severity and require tailored treatment approaches. As paramedics, recognizing the different types of burns, their causes, and effects on anatomy and physiology is essential for delivering appropriate care. Timely cooling of burn injuries, pain management, and proper dressing and wound care are essential aspects of initial burn management. Patients with severe burns may require transfer to a burn center or specialized facility for comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation. By understanding and effectively managing burns, paramedics can significantly impact patient outcomes and contribute to successful recoveries from these devastating injuries.