Special Considerations

Chemical

• Remove clothing
• Brush off powder prior to irrigation
• Irrigate with copious amounts of water
• Continue irrigation until patient is evaluated by a burn center

Tip: Irrigation should begin immediately following injury

Electrical

• Cardiac monitor for dysrhythmias or ectopy
• Assess for compartment syndrome
• Current destroys underlying tissue and may damage muscle tissue
• Assess for myoglobinuria (blood in urine)
• Maintain urine output of 75 - 100cc/hr
• Assess for blunt trauma

Frostbite

• Rewarm in water 40 - 42¡C for 15 - 20 minutes
• Do not rub or massage limb
• Fluid resuscitation is rarely necessary for isolated frostbite injury