Question

A firefighter came to the ED a couple of hours after working at a fire. One the back of his right calf he has a burn that apparently resulted from ember that settled into his boot while he was working. He did not realize he had an injury until he showered, when he noticed that the area involved was dark and felt rough and dry. What type of burn does he have?

-first degree
-second degree
-third degree
-first, second, and third degree

Answer 1

The firefighter's burn is most likely a third-degree burn due to the described dark, rough, and dry appearance of the skin, which indicates that both the epidermis and dermis have been destroyed without immediate pain or blistering.

Step-by-step explanation:

The firefighter's burn, characterized by the dark, rough, and dry appearance without any mention of blisters or significant pain, likely indicates a third-degree burn. This type of burn completely destroys both the epidermis and dermis, causing a white, red, or black appearance. It requires immediate medical attention for proper healing as it cannot heal on its own.

Third-degree burns damage nerve endings, often leading to a lack of pain in the affected area, which may be why the firefighter did not notice the injury right away.

A first-degree burn affects only the epidermis and might result in redness and minor pain, whereas a second-degree burn also affects part of the dermis, typically featuring blisters and more severe pain. Given the description of the burn as dark, rough, and dry, without mention of blisters or swelling, and considering the damage caused by an ember, a third-degree classification is the most fitting.