Special considerations for other burn types When dealing with any type of burn, be sure to protect yourself with the appropriate safety wear and get yourself and your patient out of the danger zone before beginning interventions. Electrical burns Attach a cardiac monitor and treat life-threatening arrhythmias as necessary. Assess for associated trauma and for central and peripheral nerve function. Closely monitor distal pulses.
Hyperkalemia is a potential complication, so monitor electrolytes closely.
Chemical burns Brush powdered chemicals off the wound, then flush with water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Identify the chemical and its concentration. Always irrigate burned eyes from the inside canthus outward, to avoid washing chemicals down the tear ducts. Use a gentle stream of saline or lactated Ringer's solution, starting with 1 liter of solution for each eye. Properly dispose of all contaminated clothing.