A 21-year-old male sustained a severe burn to his left leg while working on an industrial furnace. Coworkers immediately doused his flaming pants and removed them. Your primary assessment reveals no threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. While performing the secondary assessment on his leg, which finding would be most critical?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or EMTs typically provide the following first aid to burn patients at the scene of the injury: Remove heat sources Remove clothing that is burned, covered with chemicals, or constricting Cool the burn with water for up to 30 minutes Wrap the burn in a clean, dry cloth Assess the burn for swelling, color, pain, blisters, capillary refill, bleeding, and overall appearance Elevate burned areas if possible  Here are some other first aid steps for burn patients: Don't apply ice or ice-cold water Blot dry, gently Don't break blisters or remove... Show more

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or EMTs typically provide the following first aid to burn patients at the scene of the injury:
Remove heat sources
Remove clothing that is burned, covered with chemicals, or constricting
Cool the burn with water for up to 30 minutes
Wrap the burn in a clean, dry cloth
Assess the burn for swelling, color, pain, blisters, capillary refill, bleeding, and overall appearance
Elevate burned areas if possible 

Here are some other first aid steps for burn patients:
Don't apply ice or ice-cold water
Blot dry, gently
Don't break blisters or remove tissue
Cover partial-thickness wounds with antibiotic ointment
Cleanse with mild soap and gentle scrubbing
Check tetanus status
Administer tetanus immunization 

In the emergency department, EMS may also: Resuscitate fluids, Place large-bore peripheral lines, Administer crystalloids, and Place venous catheters through burned skin.

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