What is the first priority to do in a patient with burn?

What is the first priority to do in a patient with burn?

The first priority in a patient with a burn is to assess the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). This is because burns can cause swelling of the airway and breathing difficulties, and severe burns can lead to shock.

Airway:

• Check for any signs of airway obstruction, such as stridor (a harsh, high-pitched sound when breathing in) or cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin).
• If the airway is obstructed, clear it by suctioning or performing a tracheostomy, a surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea (windpipe).

Breathing:

• Assess the patient's respiratory rate and depth.
• If the patient is having difficulty breathing, administer oxygen.
• If the patient's respiratory rate is slow or shallow, intubate the patient, a procedure to insert a tube into the trachea to help them breathe.

Circulation:

• Check the patient's pulse and blood pressure.
• If the patient is in shock, administer fluids and vasopressors, medicines that raise blood pressure.

Once the ABCs have been assessed, the next priority is to cool the burn. This helps to stop the burning process and reduce pain.

To cool the burn:

• Hold the burned area under cool, running water for 20 minutes.
• If the burn is too large to submerge in water, apply cool, wet compresses.
• Do not apply ice or ice water to the burn, as this can further damage the tissue.

Once the burn has been cooled, the next priority is to cover the burn. This helps to prevent infection and reduce pain.

To cover the burn:

• Apply a sterile dressing to the burn.
• If the burn is large or deep, the patient may need to be transferred to a hospital for further treatment.

In addition to the above priorities, it is also important to:

• Assess the severity of the burn.
• Assess the patient for any other injuries.
• Provide pain relief.
• Monitor the patient's vital signs and fluid status.
• Prevent and treat complications, such as infection and shock.

If you are unsure of what to do in a burn situation, it is always best to call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.