3-11. THERMAL BURNS: CRITICAL
Burns are classified according to severity as critical, moderate, or minor. The
following burns are classified as critical.
a. Burns complicated by respiratory tract injuries or other major injuries or
b. Third-degree burns involving the face, hands, feet, or genital area.
c. Third-degree burns that cover more than 10 percent of an adult's body.
d. Third-degree burns that cover more than 2-3 percent of a child's body.
e. Second-degree burns that cover more than 30 percent of an adult's body or
20 percent of a child's body.
f. First-degree burns that cover more than 75 percent of the body.
g. Burns of the hands, feet, or genitalia.
h. Most chemical burns.
i.
Most electrical burns.
j. Burns in patients with serious underlying medical conditions such as diabetes,
seizure disorders, and hypertension.
k. Burns complicated by fracture or soft-tissue injury.
3-12. THERMAL BURNS: MODERATE
These following burns are classified as moderate.
a. Third-degree burns covering 2 to 10 percent of an adult's body, excluding the
face, hands, feet, and genital area.
b. Second-degree burns that cover between 15 and 30 percent of an adult's
body.
c. First-degree burns covering between 5 to 75 percent of an adult's body
surface.
MD0576
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