6-10. INITIATE AN INTRAVENOUS INFUSION, IF NEEDED
Burns result in a loss of body fluid even if there is no observed bleeding. If 20
percent or more of the casualty's body is covered with second- and third-degree burns,
initiate an intravenous infusion (IV) to help prevent or control hypovolemic shock.
Early signs of hypovolemia in a burn patient indicate internal hemorrhaging or other
hemorrhaging. Re-evaluate the casualty for indications of hemorrhage.
a. Keep the casualty flat on his back.
b. Determine the amount of fluid to infuse and the flow rates.
(1) Estimate the casualty's weight in kilograms (kg). (A casualty's weight
in kilograms can be determined by dividing his weight in pounds by 2.2. Figure 6-5
can be used to convert the casualty's approximate weight in pounds to kilograms.
Pounds Kilograms
Pounds Kilograms
Pounds Kilograms
286
130
187
85
88
40
297
135
99
45
198
90
308
140
209
95
110
50
319
145
121
55
220
100
330
150
231
105
132
60
341
155
242
110
143
65
352
160
253
115
154
70
363
165
264
120
165
75
374
170
275
125
176
80
Figure 6-5. Table for converting pounds to kilograms.
(2) Multiply the casualty's weight (in kilograms) by the percent of body
surface area burned (paragraph 6-9).
(3) Multiply the product obtained in step (2) by 4. The resulting figure is
the amount of replacement fluid in milliliters (same as cubic centimeters) that should
be administered to the casualty over a 24-hour period.
(4) Divide the amount by two. The result is the number of milliliters (ml)
which the casualty should receive during the first 8 hours. The remaining amount is
administered during the remaining 16 hours.
MD0554
6-9