New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which statement is incorrect regarding critical burns?

1. Full thickness burns involving the hands, face, or feet are considered critical burns.

2. Burns from chemical exposures should be evaluated as critical.

3. Burns occurring in patients with heart conditions should be considered critical.

4. Electrical burns usually cause insignificant damage to underlying soft tissues.

The correct answer is: Electrical burns usually cause insignificant damage to underlying soft tissues.

The statement regarding electrical burns causing insignificant damage to underlying soft tissues is incorrect because electrical burns can lead to severe and extensive damage that may not be immediately visible on the surface. When electricity passes through the body, it can cause profound injury to internal structures, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, potentially leading to complications such as compartment syndrome, cardiac arrest, or even death. Electrical burns often penetrate deep into tissues—far beyond the surface burn—and the effects can manifest over time as tissue necrosis or other serious complications. This hidden damage is due to the fact that the current travels through pathways of least resistance, which might avoid the surface but can wreak havoc on deeper tissues. In contrast, the other statements accurately reflect criteria for classifying burns as critical. Full thickness burns, for example, are indeed considered critical when they involve crucial areas like the hands, face, or feet due to their impact on functionality and appearance. Burns resulting from chemical exposures also warrant critical evaluation due to the potential for ongoing tissue damage. Likewise, burns in patients with pre-existing heart conditions are classified as critical because of the elevated risk of complications arising from both the burn injury and the patient's underlying health issues.