22 Burns

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Area of burns

The rule of 'nines' is used to estimate the amount of burnt area. The body is divided into areas with a percentage for each area to assist in estimating the burnt area.

  • Chest 9%;
  • Abdomen 9%
  • Head 9%
  • Upper Back 9%
  • Lower Back 9%
  • Arm 9%
  • Genital Area 1%
  • Front Leg 9%
  • Back Leg 9%

Types of Burns

  • HEAT: Flames, steam and/or liquids.
  • ELECTRICAL: Damaged/faulty cable, power points or lightning.
  • CHEMICAL: Acids, caustic soda etc.
  • FRICTION: Any friction generating heat e.g. rope, carpet.
  • RADIATION: Sun.

There are two (2) methods used to determine the severity of a burn. Both these methods need to be used together.

Depth of Burns

The burn is classed as Superficial, Partial thickness or Full thickness.

  • Superficial Burns where the top area of skin is damaged. E.g. light sun burn
  • Partial thickness burns affect the outer layers of skin.
  • Full thickness burns can affect all layers of skin, tissue, muscle and bone

Significants of Burns

  • A Significant Burn is considered as:
  • Burns greater than 10% of total body surface area
  • Burns of special areas – face, hands, feet, perineum, and major joints
  • Full thickness burns greater than 5% total body surface area of the casualty
  • Electrical burns
  • Chemical burns
  • Circumferential burns of the limbs of chest
  • Burns to a very young or very old casualty
  • Burns to a casualty with a pre-existing medical condition that would complicate management, prolong recovery or increase mortality
  • Burns with associated trauma
  • All infants or children with burns should be medically assessed.

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