What are third degree burns?

Unfortunately, flaming car crashes are not just an invention of Hollywood. They can and do happen, though not at as high a frequency as other types of crashes.

For those who end up involved in a car crash with fire, they suffer from a high rate of possible burns. In addition, many of those burns are third degree.

Severity of third-degree burns

Temple Health discusses burn injuries and severity. Third-degree burns make up the highest level of severity. They involve the most amount of tissue, with burn injuries often penetrating deep into the flesh and even affecting the muscle or bone.

Unlike second-degree burns, any size or placement of a third-degree burn constitutes a severe injury. This is due to the depth that the burn typically extends, even if it does not span a wide distance across the skin. Burns often look charred or white and a victim may not feel pain due to injured nerves.

Complications from serious burns

Victims who experience third-degree burns are often at risk for many complications. This can include amputation depending on the location and severity of the burn, disfigurement and intense scarring. Victims may also experience high rates of infection due to the susceptibility of the burned area, which can include serious infections like sepsis and gangrene.

Another potential complication is shock. Due to the severity of burn damage, victims may enter a state of shock which can negatively impact organs and even result in heart failure or heart attacks.

This is why it is crucial for victims of burns to get immediate medical treatment. Often, it means the difference between life and death.