First Aid for Chemical, Electrical, and Radiation burns.

Burns in Healthcare: Chemical, Electrical & Radiation Injuries for Nursing Students:

Burns are injuries to the body’s tissues caused by chemicals, electricity, heat, or radiation. As future nurses, it’s essential to understand how different types of burns affect the body and the appropriate interventions required for treatment.

In this section, we’ll focus on burns caused by external energy sources, helping you grasp the science behind these injuries. A simple way to remember thermal burns is: "Hot is fast, but cold is slow." This phrase emphasizes that burns from heat occur rapidly and should be treated quickly, whereas cold exposure injuries develop over time.

Chemical Burns: Wet or Dry

Chemicals are everywhere in healthcare, from disinfectants to medications. When exposed to the skin, some chemicals cause burns by triggering a chemical reaction that damages tissues. The severity of the burn depends on the type of chemical, its concentration, and the duration of contact.

Key Considerations:

Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chemical exposure guidelines.
Identify the chemical before treatment to determine the appropriate neutralization or decontamination method.
Flush the affected area with cool, running water for a minimum of 15 minutes to remove, dilute, and neutralize the chemical.
Remove contaminated clothing unless it has adhered to the skin.

First Aid for Chemical Burn — Chemical Burn

Electrical Burns: Internal and External Risks

Electrical burns pose a unique challenge because they can cause internal damage along with visible surface burns. Since the human body conducts electricity, exposure can disrupt vital functions like heart rhythms.

Key Considerations:

Electricity follows the path of least resistance, entering at one point and exiting at another.
Always look for two burn sites: entry and exit wounds.
Internal injuries may not be immediately visible but can include cardiac arrhythmias, nerve damage, and muscle breakdown.
Never touch a person experiencing an electrical shock unless you are sure the power source has been turned off.
Call 911 immediately and provide CPR if necessary.

First Aid for Electrical burn — Electrical Burn

Radiation Burns: Exposure Risks in Healthcare

Radiation burns occur due to prolonged exposure to radiation sources such as X-rays, cancer treatments, or radioactive materials. While sunburn is a common example, medical radiation burns require specialized care.

Key Considerations:

Healthcare workers must follow radiation safety protocols to minimize exposure.
Burn severity depends on exposure time and intensity.
Symptoms can develop hours to days after exposure.
If exposure occurs from a radioactive source, immediate decontamination and medical assessment are required.

First Aid for Radiation Burn — Radiation Burn

Prevention Strategies for Nursing Professionals

Chemical Burn Prevention

Store chemicals in labeled, original containers.
Wear proper protective equipment when handling hazardous substances.
Get trained in WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals).

Electrical Burn Prevention

Inspect medical equipment and report damaged power cords.
Follow hospital lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental exposure.
Be aware of potential electrical hazards when using defibrillators and electrocautery devices.

Radiation Exposure Prevention

Minimize time near radiation sources.
Maximize distance from radiation-producing equipment.
Use proper shielding (lead aprons, thyroid collars, etc.) when necessary.

First Aid Treatment for Burns in a Clinical Setting

Assess the Scene and Ensure Safety
- Confirm that the area is safe before approaching the patient.
- If dealing with chemical, electrical, or radiation burns, take proper precautions (e.g., PPE, decontamination procedures).
Check ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
- If the patient is unresponsive or not breathing, begin CPR and use an AED if available.
Call 911 for Serious Burns
- If the burn covers more than 10% of the body.
- If there is charring or blistering (2nd or 3rd-degree burns).
- If the burn was caused by a chemical, electrical, or radiation source.
Provide Immediate Burn Care
- Chemical Burns: Flush the affected area with cool, running water for 15 minutes.
- Electrical Burns: Always check for entry and exit wounds and monitor for cardiac complications.
- Radiation Burns: If exposure to a radioactive source is suspected, call 911 and seek immediate medical evaluation.
Cover the Burn
- Use a sterile, non-stick dressing.
- Avoid breaking blisters to prevent infection.
- Do NOT apply creams, ointments, or ice to severe burns.

Nurse treating a burn in a clinical setting.

Additional Notes for Nursing Students

Always consult an MSDS for chemical burns.
For electrical burns, assume spinal injuries may be present.
For radiation burns, decontaminate safely and monitor for delayed effects.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe, and Make a Difference

As a nursing student, understanding burn injuries will prepare you to respond effectively in both clinical and emergency settings. Whether it’s a patient in distress or a workplace hazard, your knowledge and quick actions can save lives.

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”