Emergency Situations: Burns, Electrocution, Fractures, Poisonings, and More

Posted on Aug 5, 2024 in Biology

Burns

Classification According to Depth

  • 1st Degree Burns: Affect the most superficial skin layer, causing redness and pain without blisters.
  • 2nd Degree Burns: Affect the epidermis and dermis, causing blistering with serous fluid and more pain than 1st degree burns.
  • 3rd Degree Burns: Affect all layers of the skin and deeper tissues, causing a black-gray crust and usually no pain due to nerve damage.
  • 4th Degree Burns: Affect all body tissues and are incompatible with life, corresponding to carbonization.

Classification by Extension

  • Minor Burns: Extension of 10% to 15%
  • Severe Burns: Extension of 15% to 30%
  • Very Serious Burns: Extension of 35% to 60%. Survival is nearly 1% below 70%.

Actions to Take

  1. Separate the victim from the heat source.
  2. Assess ABCs and vital signs.
  3. Cool the burnt area with running water for 10 minutes, depending on the extent of the burn.
  4. If the burn is chemical, extend the washing period to 15-20 minutes.
  5. Cover with sterile dressings or a clean cloth.
  6. For severe burns, cover the victim with a blanket or sheet for thermal insulation.
  7. Elevate limbs with extensive burns.
  8. Remove rings, watches, and bracelets to prevent constriction.

Cautions to Observe

  • Do not apply ointments, lotions, or toothpaste.
  • Do not use adhesive dressings or cotton wool.
  • Do not use ice or ice water.
  • Do not break blisters.
  • Do not use chemicals to neutralize the burn.
  • Do not remove the victim’s clothes if they are stuck to the skin.
  • Do not throw water on a person with burning clothes.

Electrocution

Actions to Take

  1. Disconnect the electricity before touching the victim.
  2. If the victim is stuck to the electrical contact, use a non-conductive object to remove them.
  3. Start CPR if the victim is not breathing.
  4. Treat burns as usual.
  5. Seek emergency medical attention.

Fractures

Types and Symptoms

  • Incomplete Fracture: Affects part of the bone’s thickness.
  • Complete Fracture: The bone is divided into two or more fragments.
  • Closed Fracture: The skin is not broken.
  • Open Fracture: The skin is broken and the bone is exposed.
  • Greenstick Fracture: Occurs in children’s bones, where the bone bends and breaks on one side.
  • Comminuted Fracture: Multiple bone fragments are present.
  • Displaced Fracture: The bone fragments are misaligned.

Symptoms

  • Severe pain with swelling
  • Limb deformity
  • Functional impairment
  • Redness and edema

Procedure of Activity

  1. Expose the area for examination.
  2. Do not move the victim unless necessary.
  3. Remove rings, watches, and bracelets.
  4. Check the pulse in the affected limb.
  5. Apply local cold to protect the skin.
  6. Immobilize the area without trying to set the bones.
  7. Cover with sterile gauze if the fracture is open.
  8. Do not apply ointments or painkillers.
  9. Monitor pulse, skin temperature, and color.
  10. Transfer the victim to the hospital.

Poisonings

Types and Effects

  • Digestive Poisoning: Caused by contaminated water, spoiled food, insecticides, mushrooms, drug overdose, or cleaning products.
  • Respiratory Poisoning: Caused by gases, aerosols, smoke, or fumes.
  • Parenteral Poisoning: Caused by animal or insect stings, intravenous injections, or drug substances.
  • Skin or Mucous Membrane Poisoning: Caused by insecticides or degreasing agents.

Procedure of Action

  1. Evaluate the environment for danger.
  2. Remove the victim from the risk.
  3. Check vital signs and perform CPR if necessary.
  4. Try to obtain answers to the following questions: What was taken? How much? When was it taken? Has anything else been taken? Has the victim vomited?
  5. Call the toxicology center.
  6. Collect samples of the toxic substance if possible.
  7. Transfer the victim to the hospital.

Other Emergency Situations

Seizures

  • Procedure of Action: Do not stop the movements. Protect the person from injury. Prevent tongue biting. Loosen tight clothing. Check the airway. Monitor vital signs.

Lipotímies

  • Procedure of Activity: Sit the person down or lay them supine with their legs elevated. Cool them down. If unconscious, turn their head to prevent aspiration. Give small sips of water if conscious.

Hypoglycemia

  • Procedure of Action: Give sugar, candy, or fruit. Evaluate in the hospital.

Hypothermia

  • Actions: Transport the victim indoors. Remove wet clothing. Wrap the victim in blankets or a sleeping bag. Give warm liquids if conscious. Start a warm bath at 40°C for 15-20 minutes. Keep the victim at rest and call for medical assistance.

Freezing

  • Actions: Warm the affected area with a light cotton bandage or immerse it in warm water (38-40°C). Do not use direct heat sources. Rest and elevate the affected area. Do not break blisters in second-degree frostbite. Call for medical assistance.

Drowning

  • Actions: Remove the victim from the water. Perform CPR if not breathing. Do not attempt to remove swallowed water. Apply a DEA if unresponsive and not breathing. Do not interrupt resuscitation until medical services arrive.