Burns are injuries to the body’s tissues caused by chemicals, electricity, heat, or radiation. Given the diverse sources of burns, it’s important to understand how these injuries occur and how to treat them effectively. In this section, we’ll focus on thermal burns, which result from exposure to heat or cold. Once you grasp the basic science of how thermal energy impacts the body, treating these burns becomes more straightforward.
Thermal Burns: Understanding the Basics
A helpful way to remember the nature of thermal burns is the phrase: "Hot is fast, but cold is slow." This means that while heat-related burns happen quickly and require immediate attention, cold burns develop more gradually, mirroring the slow formation of an ice cube. It’s essential to note that this discussion excludes dry ice or chemical burns, which require specific treatments guided by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Degrees of Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are classified into three degrees based on the severity of tissue damage:
First-Degree (Superficial) Burns: These burns affect the outermost layer of the skin, causing redness, pain, and possible swelling. They are often seen with mild sunburns, leading to itching and tenderness.
Second-Degree (Partial Thickness) Burns: These burns extend deeper into the skin, often resulting from cooking accidents. Symptoms include redness, severe pain, swelling, and blisters. Remember, never pop a blister.
Third-Degree (Full Thickness) Burns: These are the most severe, affecting all skin layers and potentially underlying tissues. Common signs include charred or waxy white skin, and in some cases, pain may be absent due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention due to the high risk of infection.
Prevention Tips
Preventing thermal burns is crucial, and there are several ways to protect yourself and others:
For Heat-Related Burns:
Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
Store flammable liquids like gasoline outside.
Use back burners and turn pot handles inward when cooking.
Set your water heater to 49°C (120°F).
Never use water to extinguish a grease fire—use baking soda instead.
Keep aerosol cans away from heat sources and open flames.
Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy metal screen, and keep flammable materials away.
For Electrical Burns:
Keep electrical appliances away from water.
Repair or discard frayed electrical cords.
Use outlet covers if you have young children.
For Lightning Strikes:
If you see or hear a storm, stop swimming or boating and move away from the water.
Seek shelter in a building or car, avoiding tall trees, metal objects, and open fields.
If outside, stay away from groups of people and maintain distance from metal structures.
Treating Thermal Burns
When treating thermal burns, follow these steps:
Check the Area and the Person: Ensure the area is safe and check the person's ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Wear gloves if available.
Call 911: If the burn covers more than 10% of the body, involves charring, is a third-degree burn, or results from chemicals, electricity, or radiation, seek emergency help.
Care for the Burn:
Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. For chemical burns, brush off excess powder before rinsing.
For second- and third-degree burns with blistering or charring, cool only a small area at a time to avoid shock.
After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing.
Never attempt to clean a full-thickness burn. Seek medical attention immediately.
By mastering these first aid techniques, you’ll be prepared to help anyone suffering from thermal burns, regardless of the cause. Remember, the key is prompt cooling with water and seeking medical care for more severe injuries.
Stay Prepared Having the right knowledge and skills can make all the difference in an emergency. Protect yourself, act quickly, and ensure you're equipped to save lives.
This material is for informational purposes only and sourced from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. It should not replace medical advice or training. For any questions, consult your physician or a certified safety training facility.
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Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor