NREMT EMT 6: Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology - Integumentary System, Skin Layers, Wound Healing, Burns

What This Is: Wound Healing and Burns

Wound healing is the body's process of repairing damaged skin. Burns are injuries that damage the skin, often caused by heat, flames, or electricity. Imagine your skin as a protective shield – when it's damaged, it needs time to repair itself. In emergencies, knowing how to care for wounds and burns can help prevent infection and promote healing.

Key Steps / Core Facts:

• Wound cleaning: Rinse the wound with cool or lukewarm water to remove dirt and debris. (Why: Prevents infection)
• Wound dressing: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing to protect it from further irritation. (Why: Prevents infection)
• Burn classification: Burns are classified into three degrees: first-degree (red, painful, and blister-free), second-degree (red, painful, and blistered), and third-degree (white, painless, and charred). (Why: Determines treatment)
• Burn cooling: Cool burns with cool water for 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and prevent further damage. (Why: Reduces pain and prevents infection)
• Burn dressing: Cover burns with a sterile dressing to protect them from further irritation. (Why: Prevents infection)
• Wound closure: Stitches or staples may be used to close wounds, especially those that are deep or jagged. (Why: Promotes healing)
• Wound monitoring: Monitor wounds for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain. (Why: Prevents complications)
• Burn treatment: Burns may require hospitalization for treatment, especially if they cover a large area or are deep. (Why: Prevents complications)
• Wound care: Keep wounds clean and dry to promote healing. (Why: Prevents infection)
• Burn pain management: Use pain medication as directed to manage burn pain. (Why: Reduces pain)
• Wound assessment: Assess wounds for signs of infection or complications. (Why: Prevents complications)
• Burn fluid replacement: Replace lost fluids with IV fluids to prevent dehydration. (Why: Prevents dehydration)
• Wound documentation: Document wound care and treatment to track progress. (Why: Tracks progress)

What Laypeople Can Do:

• If someone has a burn, cool it with cool water for 10-15 minutes before applying a sterile dressing.
• If someone has a wound, clean it with cool or lukewarm water and apply a sterile dressing.
• If someone has a severe burn, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• If someone has a wound that's bleeding heavily, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
• If someone has a burn that's not healing, seek medical attention.

Common Mistakes:

• Mistake: Not cooling burns immediately.
• Fix: Cool burns with cool water for 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and prevent further damage.
• Mistake: Not keeping wounds clean and dry.
• Fix: Keep wounds clean and dry to promote healing.
• Mistake: Not seeking medical attention for severe burns.
• Fix: Seek medical attention immediately for severe burns.
• Mistake: Not using sterile dressings for wounds and burns.
• Fix: Use sterile dressings to prevent infection.

Quick Practice Scenarios:

• A child has a second-degree burn on their arm. What should you do first?

• Answer: Cool the burn with cool water for 10-15 minutes before applying a sterile dressing. Reason: Reduces pain and prevents infection.

• A person has a wound that's bleeding heavily. What should you do first?

• Answer: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Reason: Stops bleeding.

• A person has a severe burn that covers their entire body. What should you do first?

• Answer: Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Reason: Gets medical help quickly.

Last-Minute Exam Cram:

• Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• Normal vital sign ranges: heart rate 60-100, blood pressure 90-140/60-90, respiratory rate 12-20.
• SAMPLE: Situation, Activity, Medications, Allergies, Last meal, Events leading up to the emergency.
• OPQRSTI: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Time, Insurance.
• Do NOT use tourniquets on bleeding wounds – they can cause more harm.
• Do NOT use ice on burns – it can cause further damage.
• Normal wound healing time: 7-10 days for minor wounds, 2-3 weeks for major wounds.
• Do NOT delay seeking medical attention for severe burns – they can cause serious complications.