UNDERSTANDING WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BURNT PATIENT

Updated 4/25

Scenario: Sam is a cook in a restaurant. He was
not prepared for his sleeve catching on fire. He 
suffered second and third degree burns. Sam was
transported to the Emergency Room.

Overview of burns

Burns may be caused by electricity, heat , cold,
chemicals and more. Complications of burns
include: possible sepsis, dehydration, contractures
and loss of electrolytes.

Skin grafting is sometimes done to cover the 
burnt area. Healthy tissue is taken from another 
part of the body, to cover the damaged area. The
grafted area, eventually becomes fused with the 
tissue around it.

Addressing hyperthermia 

Hyperthermia is recognized as a temperature which is above
normal. A severe form of this condition may be recognized
as heat stroke. ( temperature above 104 degrees). Heat stroke

if left untreated, may lead to further problems.

The hypothalamus is the temperature regulating center of the brain.

Injury to this part of the brain like trauma,  may also result in

hyperthermia. Antipyretics are used to decrease the temperature

and prevent hyperthermia.

Cooling measures like a cooling blanket, may also be used.