Patient
Hello, I'm hoping you could provide me some advice regarding an injury I sustained.
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's my shoulder that's been injured.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain radiate anywhere else, such as your neck, jaw, arms, or back?
Patient
No, the pain is localized just to my shoulder.
Triage Assistant
When did the shoulder pain begin? Is it a matter of minutes, hours, or days?
Patient
It started earlier today.
Triage Assistant
Is the pain constant, or does it come and go? Does it get worse with exertion?
Patient
The pain is pretty constant since it happened, and it doesn't really change with movement or exertion.
Triage Assistant
How severe is the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is mild and 10 is excruciating?
Patient
I'd say the pain is around a 6. But there's a part of the burn that's numb.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of heart disease?
Patient
I don't have any history of heart problems or any of those risk factors.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease, such as asthma, emphysema, or taking birth control pills?
Patient
No, I don't have any history of lung disease or take birth control pills.
Triage Assistant
What do you think is causing the shoulder pain? Did you sustain any injuries or is there any other reason you can think of?
Patient
I believe the pain is due to a burn I got from a hot pipe. The center of the burn is white and numb.
Triage Assistant
Based on your description, it sounds like you have a burn that may require medical attention. Burns with numbness and a white center can indicate a deeper, potentially more severe burn. For now, please follow these first aid steps: 1. **Cool the Burn:** Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. Do not use ice. 2. **Cover the Burn:** Use a clean, non-stick bandage. 3. **Avoid Applying Ointments or Butter:** Do not apply creams, ointments, or butter to the burn. 4. **Protect and Elevate:** Keep the burned area protected from further injury and elevate it if possible to reduce swelling. You should go to the Emergency Room (ER) immediately for further evaluation and treatment. 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 Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval).
Incomplete first aid advice given.
Some assessment questions asked.