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Difficulty: HardBasic First Aid and Casualty Management

Following a collision on a dual carriageway slip road, a casualty with extensive burn injuries is shivering, pale, sweating, and requesting water. The scene is already safe and an ambulance has been called. What is the correct course of action to manage this casualty while waiting for emergency personnel?

  1. A
    Unfasten and pull off their protective headwear to check for head trauma, then provide warm sips of tea to counteract their shivering
  2. Keep the casualty lying down and warm, cool the burned area with clean cold liquid, and comfort them without offering any food or drinkAnswer
  3. C
    Leave the casualty unattended to walk along the hard shoulder of the high-speed road and set up a warning triangle
  4. D
    Remove their tight outer garments and helmet immediately to promote air cooling, while encouraging them to walk around to prevent stiffness

Answer

Keep the casualty lying down and warm, cool the burned area with clean cold liquid, and comfort them without offering any food or drink
A casualty exhibiting cold, clammy skin, shivering, and rapid thirst is suffering from shock, which is compounded by burn trauma. The correct procedure is to keep them lying down comfortably, keep them warm, cool the burn with clean cold liquid for at least 20 minutes, and provide calm reassurance. Even though the casualty may complain of thirst, food and drink must be strictly withheld because the digestive tract slows down during shock and surgery under general anaesthesia may be urgently required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the casualty's symptoms and recognize the onset of physical shock
The signs of pale skin, shivering, sweating, and extreme thirst indicate reduced blood perfusion and shock.
Trauma and burns frequently induce circulatory shock, requiring immediate stabilization to prevent rapid deterioration.
2
Apply appropriate thermal and physical stabilization without administering oral fluids
The casualty rests quietly, is kept warm with a blanket or coat, and is comforted without consuming liquids or food.
Digestion diverts blood flow, and ingested liquids increase the risk of aspiration or delays if emergency surgery under general anaesthetic is necessary.
3
Treat the burn injury conservatively using cool, clean liquid
Heat is drawn out of the burn safely without peeling away adherent clothing or applying unapproved ointments.
Cooling thermal burns with clean cold liquid for at least 20 minutes reduces tissue damage and pain.

Key Concept

Casualty management principles for shock and burn injuries at a road collision scene
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Basic First Aid and Casualty Management

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