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Third-Degree Burn (Full Thickness Burn)
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Immediate Care for burns resulting from thermal heat, scald, or surface contact:
- Call 911.
- First, stop the burning process or remove the person from the source of injury. If clothing is on fire, make the patient stop, drop and roll.
- Remove all clothing, which can seal heat into the skin. However, if clothing is stuck to the skin, do not remove it. Avoid tearing intact skin.
- Place burned area under cool water, or pour cool water over burns, for several minutes. Avoid placing ice on the skin as can worsen the burn.
- Remove any jewelry, tight clothing or belts; especially remove anything around the neck.
- Cover burns with a clean sheet or cloth. Avoid applying creams, ointments or butter to wounds—this can worsen the burn, or lead to infection.
- Keep the person warm; avoid administering any fluids.
For electrical wounds:
- Call 911.
- Do not touch the person who is contact with electricity, you will become injured if you do so.
- Disconnect the source of power or call the power company for assistance.
- Once it is safe to approach the person, begin standard CPR. Check the airways for signs of breathing and respiration, and assess for other injuries
For chemical wounds:
- Call 911.
- Flush the area with water. Remove clothing before flushing with water.
- If the person wears contact lenses, remove them before irrigation.
- Avoid dispersing chemical to parts of the body not contaminated by the chemical.
- Consult a poison control center for further treatment.
Last updated: 01-Jan-00
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