Burns – Types & Treatments
A burn can occur in a split second. Burns can be caused by scalding water, hot burner, open flame, electrical connection, chemical spill, radiation, or even too much time in the sun that results in painful or even debilitating burns. Each year, 1.1 million people are treated for burn injuries.1 At Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians are here all day and night to provide quality care for burns and other injuries.
“Burns are especially painful and can be hard to judge the severity at home,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “That’s why we recommend you come in and have us evaluate the injury and provide rapid treatment to try to help reduce the pain and speed recovery.”
Types of Burns
First degree burns are the least severe and involve only the outer layer of skin, or epidermis and will cause redness and possibly minor blisters. Sunburns, grease spatters and coffee spills are examples of causes of first degree burns. They can be very painful but usually heal within several days without going to the doctor. If these burns cover more than 3 inches, consult with a physician.
Second degree burns involve both the epidermis and the next layer, the dermis. These burns swell rapidly and have more blistering and redness than first degree burns. They also can look glossy or weep fluid. Seek immediate medical attention for these burns.
Third degree burns are serious burns that require immediate medical attention. They involve the epidermis, dermis and fat layer. The burn area can look dry and leathery and tan, white, red or black in color. The skin may look charred. These burns are so deep that the patient may not feel how serious it is. Take the person to the nearest ER for emergency treatment.
Treatment of Burns
At home: Clothing and jewelry should be immediately removed from the injured area since burns swell quickly and circulation or breathing could be restricted. Cool water or compresses can give some pain relief. Elevate the wound.
At the ER: your physician will treat the burn with antibiotics and follow protocol to keep the body supplied with hydration and concentrated nutrients needed for healing. Your physician may discuss how to start the process of receiving skin grafts and a splint may be added to keep the area from moving during early treatment. Later, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other therapies may be recommended to encourage healing.
Burn Safety
Prevention is key when considering injuries as painful and serious as burns. Children and older adults are at greater risk for being injured by burns or scalds. That’s why it’s important to spend some time considering how to best use safety precautions in your home. Practice safety measures when cooking, carrying hot liquids, filling bathtubs and serving food to children. Adjust the hot water heater to safe temperatures. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and be careful with candles and cigarettes.3
Teach children fire safety basics, such as Stop-Drop-and Roll, and practice your evacuation plan. Most fire stations have workshops for children to learn fire safety practices.
Keep hot irons, hair straighteners, etc., out of the reach of children. Cover outlets and put away electrical cords not in use. Keep children away from grills, outdoor fires, radiators and space heaters.
Enjoy taking the family to city fireworks and avoid doing fireworks at home. Install working fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
Get fast help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Even with the best precautions in place, burns still happen. When someone receives a burn injury, come immediately to Medco ER & Urgent Care for quality care. We’re always open and ready to help when you need it.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649
The 7 Biggest Advantages of a Freestanding ER Over a Hospital ER
Have you ever wondered how a freestanding emergency room differs from an attached hospital ER? The answers may surprise you.
In recent years, freestanding ERs have skyrocketed in popularity in the greater Dallas Fort Worth region as people realize the landslide of advantages freestanding ERs offer over hospital ERs. Since freestanding ERs can address almost all common emergency conditions that you or your family may encounter, the benefits are worth noting.
Here are the top 7 advantages of a freestanding ER:
1. No wait time
Emergencies don’t wait and neither should you. Waiting in a crowded, possibly germ-filled waiting room is a chore that the freestanding ERs have eliminated. Within minutes upon your arrival, you can be shown to a private room. A physician will be immediately alerted to your needs. Our locations are squeaky clean and we always keep patients at safe distances from one another.
2. More face-to-face time with the doctor
Less time waiting and more time spent talking with the doctor is one of the most important benefits of going to a freestanding ER. “Our patients are our top priority. We make sure we can spend all the time you need to make sure you get some of the highest quality care available,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora.
3. Board-certified physicians standing by
Unlike hospital ERs, you won’t be seen by a physician assistant (PA), medical assistant (MA) or a certified nurse practitioner (CNP). At Medco ER & Urgent Care, you have immediate access to a board-certified physician with years of experience in treating emergency conditions.
4. On-site imaging equipment and labs
Our fast-result labs are available on-site to aid in proper diagnostic and treatment. Getting the answers right away for your medical questions can help speed you on the way to recovery. Cardiac labs are available to diagnose urgent heart conditions. Imaging equipment such as X-rays, EKG and ultrasounds are in-house for fast and accurate diagnosis of your medical condition.
5. Efficient billing
We accept most insurance plans at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our billing department understands the ins and outs of a myriad of insurance benefits and billing requirements. We will work with you to provide all the help you need to understand your bill and the next steps to take. We do not bill patients for the difference between in-network and out-of-network reimbursement, so there are no unwelcome surprises in your bill.
6. Concierge service
Our hospitality service offers complimentary beverages and snacks. The person who drove you or accompanied you will appreciate our clean waiting room stocked with refreshments. If appropriate, you may also enjoy snacks and a sports drink to unwind and rehydrate during your visit.
7. Courtesy call directly from the doctor after your ER visit
You will be pleased to receive a follow-up phone call from your doctor after you visit our emergency room. We want to track your progress and make sure you are on your way to feeling better.
Which freestanding ER should I go to?
When it comes to receiving fast, friendly and excellent medical care, it’s important to choose the freestanding ER with a stellar reputation. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we’re proud of our top star ratings that showcase our quality healthcare services.
When you are dealing with an emergency or urgent condition, you need the freestanding ER that’s readily available. “We’re open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure you have the quality care you need at just the right time,” said Dr. Vora.
Where can I find a Medco ER & Urgent Care?
For fast medical help, Medco ER & Urgent Care is available in two convenient locations close to home and work. Visit us any time at:
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road. Call us @ 469-392-4000.
- Frisco: 5600 Eldorado Parkway across from McDonald’s and Costco. Call us @ 469-392-4100.