Patient
Hi, I need some medical advice. I'm experiencing a serious issue, and I'm not sure what to do next.
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's my lower leg that's giving me a lot of trouble.
Triage Assistant
It sounds like you're experiencing pain in your lower leg. Can you describe the nature of the pain? For instance, is it sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning?
Patient
The pain is pretty intense and burning. There's also some throbbing.
Triage Assistant
For accurate triage, we can treat your issue as a potential burn. I'll proceed with the "Burns" protocol to help determine the next steps. Please describe the extent of the burn. Is it red, blistered, charred, or white?
Patient
The skin looks pretty severe. It's red and blistered in some areas, but there's a part that looks charred, too.
Triage Assistant
When did the burn occur? If it happened recently, did you apply cool water to the affected area?
Patient
The burn happened a few hours ago. I haven't applied cool water to it yet.
Triage Assistant
You should cool the burn immediately by running cool water over it for 20 minutes or applying a cold, wet washcloth. This will help stop the burn from getting worse and relieve some pain. How large is the burn? You can estimate by comparing it to the size of your palm. Your palm represents roughly 1% of your total body surface area (BSA).
Patient
I'd say the affected area is about three times the size of my palm.
Triage Assistant
Based on your description, the burn covers about 3% of your total body surface area. It also sounds like a severe burn given the presence of blisters and some charred skin. This situation typically requires professional medical attention. Given the size and severity of the burn, you should go to the emergency department (ED) now, as burns larger than 2% BSA typically require urgent care. In the meantime, continue cooling the burn and avoid applying any creams or ointments until you are seen by a medical professional. Thank you for calling, goodbye.
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.