ETHOS

I burned my neck with a curling iron, and it's red and painful without blisters.

Patient

Hi, thank you for taking my call. I have a bit of a situation, and I'm not sure what to do next. Could you help guide me through it?

Triage Assistant

Sure, I'd be happy to help. Can you tell me where it hurts?

Patient

Yes, it's on my neck.

Triage Assistant

It looks like we don't have a specific protocol for neck-related issues. Can you describe what kind of pain or symptoms you're experiencing? For example, is it a burn, a cough, chest pain, or something else? This will help me choose the right protocol to guide you.

Patient

It's a burn.

Triage Assistant

When did the burn happen?

Patient

It happened earlier today.

Triage Assistant

Did you apply cold water to the burn?

Patient

Yes, I did run it under cold water for a few minutes.

Triage Assistant

Where exactly is the burn located on your neck?

Patient

It's on the left side of my neck, just below the jawline.

Triage Assistant

How large is the burn? You can estimate the size using the palm of your hand, which roughly represents 1% of your total body surface area (BSA).

Patient

It's smaller than the palm of my hand, maybe about the size of a quarter.

Triage Assistant

Are there any blisters present on the burn?

Patient

No, there aren't any blisters, but the skin is red and quite painful.

Triage Assistant

How would you rate the pain on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is mild pain and 10 is excruciating pain?

Patient

I would say it's probably around a 5 or 6.

Triage Assistant

Have you been exposed to any smoke or fumes?

Patient

No, there's been no smoke or fumes.

Triage Assistant

Any other symptoms, like headache or nausea?

Dispositions

  • Call EMS 911 Now

  • See More Appropriate Protocol

  • Go to ED Now

  • Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)

  • Go to Office Now

  • See in Office Today

  • See in Office Today or Tomorrow

  • See in Office Within 3 Days

  • Home Care

  • Triage result was accurate.

  • Incomplete first aid advice given.

  • Some assessment questions asked.