Airway Burns

NORMAL

ABNORMAL

DESCRIPTION
* Airway Burns occur when an individual is trapped in a poorly ventilated space and inhales smoke, steam, superheated air, or toxic fumes.

* At risk are those caught in fires, fire fighters, explosives experts, toxic chemical cleaning crews, miners, and factory workers working with chemicals or steam.
* Exposure may result in charred mouth; burned lips; burns on the face, head, and neck; singed eyebrows and hair (nose, scalp); burns on other parts of the skin and clothing; cough productive of black or tar-stained mucus; difficulty breathing; wheezing or coughing.
* Exposure victims must be immediately attended to, the nature of the fumes identified, and appropriate measures taken to assure that their airways are open (for normal breathing) and that they are hemodynamically stable.

TREATMENT
* Requires emergency treatment