Apple Bill
Forum Crew Member
- 52
- 20
- 8
Ran a call while on FD shift, 35yom, industrial accident, hot (250-300F) asphalt tar blew up in pt's face. Approx 80% facial coverage including left eye and up nostrils.
We're first on scene, pt is at an outdoor eye flush station running water over his face. Tar has hardened on the exterior but still hot. Pt states water helps relieve pain. Unk amount of tar in left eye, full coverage over eye from forehead to jaw.
Patent airway, but we were concerned about possible swelling from trauma due to inhaled tar. Standing manual BP 178/104, pulse 96, no pulse ox since we were outside and it was 19F. Once warmed in ambulance, SpO2 99%, supine BP 142/102 from LifePak12. Pt was AOx4. No previous medical or allergies.
The situation as-is for us as fire was simple, make sure airway is patent and pt is stable until EMS arrives. Kept warm as best as possible while pt cooled face with water.
We were 30 min from nearest burn center, and with the concern of inhaled hot tar, EMS made the call to air evac pt.
The question that arose was what if the pt had not cooled the tar with water prior to arrival? What would have been the best way to handle that?
We're first on scene, pt is at an outdoor eye flush station running water over his face. Tar has hardened on the exterior but still hot. Pt states water helps relieve pain. Unk amount of tar in left eye, full coverage over eye from forehead to jaw.
Patent airway, but we were concerned about possible swelling from trauma due to inhaled tar. Standing manual BP 178/104, pulse 96, no pulse ox since we were outside and it was 19F. Once warmed in ambulance, SpO2 99%, supine BP 142/102 from LifePak12. Pt was AOx4. No previous medical or allergies.
The situation as-is for us as fire was simple, make sure airway is patent and pt is stable until EMS arrives. Kept warm as best as possible while pt cooled face with water.
We were 30 min from nearest burn center, and with the concern of inhaled hot tar, EMS made the call to air evac pt.
The question that arose was what if the pt had not cooled the tar with water prior to arrival? What would have been the best way to handle that?