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Determine the EXTENT - Burns

Usually the extent are based on the common Rules of 9 for burns. However, the first aid protocol suggest that extent can be assessed using the Rule of the Palm.

This is basically done by simply using the patient's palm area excluding the fingers with the burned area.

Statistically the palm is 1% of the total body surface area. Therefore, if the size of the burned area is 5 times the size of the palm area, then the extent of burn is 5%.

Always remember that you should utilized the patient's palm as you assess the extent of burns

Causes of Burns and Degrees of Burns

Before we talked about how to provide first aid for burns, we have to understand the different causes of burns. Burns can be caused by the following:

Heat or Thermal

Chemical

Electrical

Regardless what the causes are, burns can be classified into different degrees. It is important to identify the degrees of burns since the treatment would depend on the degrees and area affected.

First Degree Burns - this are burns characterized by pain and redness. There is no opening and therefore thier is no risk for infection

Second Degree Burns - usually accompanied by blisters and in most cases the skin is broken. There is pain and obviously there is the risk of infection

Third Degree Burns - this burns involves deeper tissues and sometimes includes the bones. Usually appear in a yellowish waxy color and with some charcoal appearance of the tissue burned.

Common Emergencies

Now that we are familiar with how to make proper assesment, I will be posting different common emergencies and the procedure to be done in providing first and and emergency care on the problems.

Problems such as Bleeding and wounds, Fractures, Burns, Poisoning will be posted first.

As noted this are common problems that we may encounter in our day to day living. Knowing how to provide the necesarry first aid in these cases will surely bring forth a great advantage and perhaps save a persons life.

Systematic Assesment

One good way to make a systematic assesment and intervention of the victim is to follow what I have learned from my Emergency Medical Techinician Course (EMT).

This would be following the Alphabet. I think, everyone would not fail to remember the alphabet even during emrgency situation considering that we started with the Alphabet from the very moment we started going to school.

So a good way to do a systematic physical assesment and intervention would be the following:

Airway - obviously start with the Airway. Check if the airway is clear. Solve problems related to the airway. Common problems encountered with the airway is obstruction.

Breathing - check the breathing. If the breathing is absent, immediately give rescue breaths. This will be covered more as we go further.

Circulation - As mentioned, circulation involves the heart. Absence of pulse means the heart is not contracting. If the patient has no breathing and has no pulse, start CPR immediately. For CPR procedure visit this link: Hubpages CPR
- Another life threatening problem that you may encounter with circulation is BLEEDING. Bleeding if not controlled may lead to shock and death.

Delicate Central Nervous System - asses the patients consciousness, check the pupils for equality and reaction to light. If the patient is conscious verify if he is aware of time and place. Ask what happened.

Extremities - check the upper and lower extremities. Solve any ovbious problems such as bleeding and amputation.

Fractures - check for fractures and apply splints to avoid fracture from getting worse.

General Appearance - if there are no signs of injury, assess for skin color and skin temperature.

Help/Hospital - as soon as the life threatening problems are controlled and other problems like fracture are given care, tha patient can now be transported to the hospital for permanent care.

Sample History

After doing the Physical Assesment, the responder of first aider may now proceed with gathering the history. Bear in mind however that is only done when all life threatening conditions have been attended to already. As noted, during the physical assesment, all life threatening conditions should be treated first starting from the ABC's to the head to toe phase.

The best way to gather history would be with the use of SAMPLE history.

S - symptoms
A - allergies
M - medications
P - Past medical history
L - Last oral intake
E - Events leading up to the injury or illness

The Physical Exam

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The Physical Exam involves a head to toe assesment of the victim. The head to toe exams is a systematic approach of finding out other problems that requires intervention. This can be done by looking for signs and symptoms.

SIGNS - are conditions that you can see, hear, feel or smell.

SYMPTOMS - are things that the victim feels and will be available only when the victim is conscious. A typical example is chest pain.

Since the Physical Exam involves the assesment from Head to Toe, the first aider must look and feel for abnormaliteies. It is advisable to follow a certain mnemonic for a thorough examination.

D O T S

D for DEFORMITY

O for OPEN INJURIES

T for TENDERNESS

S for SWELLING

As noted start from the Head, going through the neck, chest, arms, abdomen, pelvic area, and legs. Never move the victim to check the back if you suspect any spinal injuries. Moving the victim with suspecte cervical or spinal injuries may cause death or paralysis.

Bear in mind that treatment or intervention should be provided when a problem or abnormality is noted before continuing for each assesment.

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