Burns are due to dry heat (including friction), whereas scalds are due to wet heat (like steam). Burns and scalds must be treated promptly and carefully to limit the effects of the injury and to prevent possible long-term scarring.
Assessing a burn or scald
You will have to assess the depth and extent of the injury.
Depth:
Superficial (1st degree wound): The skin is red and tender and may be swollen. This type of burn or scald is very painful.
2nd degree burn or scald: The skin is blistered and raw. The burn/scald is painful. Extensive burns/scalds of this type can be fatal.
3rd degree burn or scald: The skin is burnt away and damage extends into the muscle and fat layers. There is a pale, waxy look to the area and there may even be charred skin. There is little to no pain associated with this type of injury because nerve endings have been damaged.
Extent:
When assessing the size of a burn 1% is equal to the size of the casualty’s hand.
Type of burn
Extent
Referral
Superficial
9% or less
Own doctor
2nd degree
1-8%9% or more
Own doctorEmergency services
3rd degree
Any extent
Emergency services
When to expect burns/scalds to the mouth and throat:
The face has been burnt.
There is soot around the nose or mouth.
The history of the incident suggests that the casualty inhaled hot fumes or smoke.
The casualty's voice starts to become hoarse.
Burns to the mouth and throat will rapidly start to swell, for this reason it is very important to treat the burns as an emergency, because swelling could restrict breathing.
Dial emergency services
Loosen any tight clothing.
Assessing a burn or scald
You will have to assess the depth and extent of the injury.
Depth:
Superficial (1st degree wound): The skin is red and tender and may be swollen. This type of burn or scald is very painful.
2nd degree burn or scald: The skin is blistered and raw. The burn/scald is painful. Extensive burns/scalds of this type can be fatal.
3rd degree burn or scald: The skin is burnt away and damage extends into the muscle and fat layers. There is a pale, waxy look to the area and there may even be charred skin. There is little to no pain associated with this type of injury because nerve endings have been damaged.
Extent:
When assessing the size of a burn 1% is equal to the size of the casualty’s hand.
Type of burn
Extent
Referral
Superficial
9% or less
Own doctor
2nd degree
1-8%9% or more
Own doctorEmergency services
3rd degree
Any extent
Emergency services
When to expect burns/scalds to the mouth and throat:
The face has been burnt.
There is soot around the nose or mouth.
The history of the incident suggests that the casualty inhaled hot fumes or smoke.
The casualty's voice starts to become hoarse.
Burns to the mouth and throat will rapidly start to swell, for this reason it is very important to treat the burns as an emergency, because swelling could restrict breathing.
Dial emergency services
Loosen any tight clothing.
