Burns and Electrocutions

A burn is a type of trauma to the skin and interior tissues of the body due to heat, electricity, radiation, or certain chemicals. Each year, approximately two million people in the United States suffer burn injuries, resulting in some 300,000 serious injuries and 6,000 deaths.

The three main types of burns are: thermal, electrical, and chemical.

Thermal burn injuries are the most common, occurring as a result of residential fires, automobile accidents, matches, gasoline, heaters or electrical devices. Some sources of thermal burns include: open flames, hot liquids (such as coffee, grease, or boiling water), and explosions.

Electrical burns occur when an electrical current runs through the body at very high temperatures. An electrical current can cause injury at its points of entry and exit, as well as the muscles, tissues and organs through which it passes. Damage to nerves, bones, and blood vessels can also occur. If an electrical current passes through the center of the body, there exists the potential for a fatal heart attack.

The conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy causes chemical burns. Strong acids such as phosphorus or mustard gas are examples of chemicals that cause burns. The severity of a chemical burn depends upon the duration of the chemical’s contact with tissue; flushing the skin with water is essential to preventing long-term tissue damage.

Each type of burn can further be described as a first-degree, second-degree or third-degree burn. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. Generally these are superficial injuries that usually cause temporary redness, swelling and pain.

Second-degree burns can cause damage to multiple layers of skin, going beyond the epidermis to the dermis itself. These burns are classified as either “superficial” or “deep.” Superficial burns only affect the outer portion of the dermis, while deep burns extend to the deeper layers. Deep burns appear as dry, white patches that are painful to the touch. Second-degree burns don't usually require surgery, although scarring is frequently a result.

The most serious of burn injuries is the third-degree burn. Every layers of skin is affected, as well as underlying tissue and/or organs, producing a black or brown leathery appearance. Nerve endings are often destroyed, so third-degree burns usually are not painful after the fact, but they can require surgical skin grafting or transplants.

If you believe you may have a burn or electrocution case, contact us today for more information.