Support oxygenation, address pain and perfusion, and recognize burn-center referral criteria.
OCEMS source summary · Updated 2026-09-16
Key cautions & base contact
SpO₂ may look reassuring despite significant CO exposure.
Burn size alone does not determine destination: location, depth, mechanism, and comorbidities also matter.
Initial care
For enclosed-space or heavy-smoke exposure, give high-flow oxygen by mask as tolerated. Pulse oximetry may be misleading with carbon-monoxide exposure.
Use cooling measures for a still-symptomatic burn. For wheeze/suspected smoke inhalation, the source lists albuterol 5 mg/6 mL by continuous nebulization as tolerated.
Pain & circulation
Do not inject analgesics or place IV access through burned skin. With systolic BP above 90, options include morphine 5 mg (or 4 mg carpuject) IV/IM, or fentanyl 50 mcg IV/IM or 100 mcg IN; one repeat after 3 minutes is permitted as specified. Morphine IO use is limited to already-established access for saline.
For systolic BP at or below 90 or shock signs, establish access through unburned skin and give 250 mL saline boluses up to 1 L to maintain perfusion.
Burn-center contact
Contact base for suspected inhalation injury, electrical/lightning injury, or chemical burns; burns involving face, hands, feet, genitalia, or perineum; circumferential burns; or relevant complicating disease.
The source also includes second-degree burns above 10% TBSA and any third-degree burn. Base coordinates the burn-unit destination.
Chemical & electrical injuries
Brush away residual dry chemical. The source generally directs copious continuous water/saline irrigation, but specifically warns that some chemicals react dangerously with water; identify the substance and use appropriate hazard guidance.
Small-looking electrical wounds can conceal major deep injury and rhythm risk. Provide cardiac monitoring and ALS escort for the high-voltage exposure described by the source.
For suspected cyanide exposure, use PR-130/base-directed hydroxocobalamin rather than assuming every smoke exposure needs an antidote.