Patient
Hi, thank you for taking my call. I'm having an issue with my hand and I'm not quite sure what to do. Can you help me understand the best course of action?
Triage Assistant
Sure, I can help you with that. Where does it hurt on your hand?
Patient
The pain is mostly around my fingers and the palm area.
Triage Assistant
Got it, I will triage your issue under the Burns protocol to begin with. One moment please.
Triage Assistant
Let's start by understanding when did the issue with your hand happen?
Patient
I accidentally hurt my hand today, just a few hours ago.
Triage Assistant
Did you apply cold water to the affected area when it happened?
Patient
Yes, I did run my hand under cold water for a few minutes right after it happened.
Triage Assistant
Where exactly is the burned area located on your hand?
Patient
It's mainly on my fingers and the palm, not covering the entire hand but enough to be quite painful.
Triage Assistant
How large would you estimate the burn is in comparison to the size of your palm?
Patient
It's about the size of a couple of coins—so not too large, but it's definitely noticeable and uncomfortable.
Triage Assistant
Are there any blisters on the burned area?
Patient
Yes, there are some small blisters that have formed, but they're still intact.
Triage Assistant
Can you describe how the burn happened?
Patient
I accidentally touched a hot stove. It was a brief contact, but enough to cause the burn and these blisters.
Triage Assistant
Got it. Can you rate your pain on a scale from 1 to 10? Here's the scale for reference: - MILD (1-3): doesn't interfere with normal activities - MODERATE (4-7): interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep - SEVERE (8-10): excruciating pain, unable to do any normal activities or move due to pain
Patient
I'd say it's around a 5 or 6 right now—quite painful and definitely interfering with what I need to do.
Triage Assistant
Thank you for the information. Since your burn has small blisters and moderate pain, here's what you should do: 1. **Keep cooling the burn**: Continue to run cool (not cold) water over the burn for another 10-20 minutes. 2. **Keep it clean**: Wash the area gently with warm water once a day. Avoid soap unless the burn is dirty. 3. **Do not pop the blisters**: Keep the blisters intact as they help to protect the area from infection. 4. **Apply an antibiotic ointment**: If the blisters rupture, apply an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin. 5. **Cover the burn**: Use a non-stick bandage or clean cloth to cover the burn. Change the dressing every other day. Given the severity of your pain and the presence of blisters, I recommend you go to an Urgent Care Clinic or the Emergency Department now for further evaluation and treatment. Do you have any other symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, headache, or nausea?
Patient
No, I don't have any of those symptoms. The issue is just confined to my hand.
Triage Assistant
Understood. Please head to an Urgent Care Clinic or Emergency Department now for professional treatment due to the moderate pain and presence of blisters. 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 should be Home Care.
Incomplete first aid advice given.
Some assessment questions asked.