Transferring the thermally injured.
The emergency nurse should seek expert opinion if in doubt. The priority is to protect the airway--intubate if unsure. Administer oxygen and insert at least two 16fg cannula in adults and two 20fg cannula in children. Record all fluids administered including the type, volume and rate of infusion. Monitor and record clinical observations (see Fig. 3). Keep the burns wounds covered with cling-film. Measure urine output and ensure the catheter circuit is patent and ensure the patient is pain free. Keep the patient warm and relatives informed. Finally, inform the burns unit of departure. Details provided by A&E staff may have considerable impact upon the subsequent management of the thermally injured patient.
Bird
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School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of East Anglia.
D002053:Burn Units; D002056:Burns / Q000451:nursing*; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D009737:Nursing Records; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation