Tar burns?

[chickj0434]

So had a broken ankle and guy fell in a little bit of hot asphalt as well on his arms. Took care of the break. He had a little bit of spots of tar on his arm that were burning him as well. So we cleaned it with water to stop the burning. And loosely wrapped it with a sterile sheet.

Should I of left it uncovered. I applied it to keep it sterile and he kept picking the tar which resulted in him picking his skin so also did that so he wouldn't pick.

 

[mgr22]

I think I would have done pretty much what you did: Douse the tar with lots of water to stop the burning and leave removal of the tar and burn care to the hospital.

 

[chickj0434]

I think I would have done pretty much what you did: Douse the tar with lots of water to stop the burning and leave removal of the tar and burn care to the hospital.

Thanks yea didn't know if I should cover it or not but just got the burn sheet and cut it up and loosely wrapped it to keep it sterile

 

[EpiEMS]

Sterile might be a strong word, but stopping the burning process & covering (assuming a low TBSA %) with moist dressings is standard of care.

 

[Knuckles]

Thanks yea didn't know if I should cover it or not but just got the burn sheet and cut it up and loosely wrapped it to keep it sterile

I would have watered and wrapped it as well, mostly to keep the pt from picking at it as it may compromise the skin and allow an opening for infection. Let the ER remove the tar.

 

[johnrsemt]

Perfect with tar and asphalt, only other options if you don't cover it to keep the patient from picking at it, would be 2 point restraints, or Versed and covering it is easier to explain.

 

[The Possum]

Tar is made with hydrocarbons. It's actually manufactured in a refinery. Sounds like you did the right thing.