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Question
Hi Jim, I am a medic also, but with no expertise in burns, I burned my hand 3cm x5 cm with hot glue, it is 3rd degree. I've been told it will take 3 months to heal. I've followed your other postings and switched from Silvadene to Bactracin after a week. Do I need to continue this for the entire remaining 2 and a half months? Thanks in advance. Deanna
Hi Deanna,
Continue with the bacitracin until the wounds have covered with tissue and are dry. The wounds may take a while to cover over but watch for any sign of infecton. If any signs of infection DO show up get to the doctor promptly to get started with antibiotic oral, and topical creams that the doctor feels is appropriate. I would switch from the silvadene only as the skin covering begins to develop. Follow up with me on this as needed.
JIM
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Jim B
Expertise
I can answer a variety of questions concerning the physical care of burns and burn patients which commonly are of interest to both patients and their families. Also I may be helpful in suggesting lifestyle modifications which will help with a more complete recovery from a serious burn. I can also accept questions regarding the physical classifications of burns and the implications regarding the size, depth, and location of burns. What I cannot answer based on my own knowledge and experience I can refer to my current and former collegues in the field including the plastic and trauma surgeons and burn recovery organizations. In many of these cases I will provide a line of communication directly to a specific expert or organization. While I can describe general treatments routines with which I am experienced,I cannot answer questions dealing with specifuc diagnosis of conditions or problems. Additionally, please understand that the area of burn treatments is an experimental one in which there is constant progress and change. Each Burn Center invests a major effort in the development of new materials, treatments, medications, and techniques. In this area of constant change and growth no one can be fully aware of all treatment courses employed.
Experience
I am a licensed Paramedic and have also worked as a wound technician in a large regional Burn Center in a Trauma Level 1 hospital. I have experience in the areas of burn evaluation and care, both long-term and immediate first aid. I have also worked as a volunteer couselor with post-burn patients dealing with issues ranging from life-style changes to re-entering the world as a serious burn survivor.
Education/Credentials
BA Economics and Biology, AA Health Care Management, EMT-P licensed in Missouri, ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support)qulification, ACLS-EP (Advanced Cardiac Life Support-Experienced Provider), Former National Ski Patrol Winter Emergency Care Instructor and Senior Evaluator, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Instructor.
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