Vital Sign of Burn
Definition
A finding that indicates the victim was alive at the time of burning: line of erythema, blister with proteinaceous fluid, soot in the airway, raised carboxy-haemoglobin. Distinguishes ante-mortem from post-mortem burning.
Related terms
- Bumper Mark
- A transverse bruise or fracture on the lower limb of a pedestrian, at the height of the striking vehicle's bumper at impact....
- Hesitation Marks
- Parallel, superficial, often non-fatal cuts adjacent to a deeper main wound, characteristic of self-inflicted sharp-force injury. Site is anatomically reachable by the...
- Joule Burn (Electric Mark)
- A pale, crater-like cutaneous lesion with a raised, firm rim, produced where an electrical conductor contacts the skin. Characteristic of low-voltage electrocution...
- Lichtenberg Figure
- Branching, ferning erythematous skin pattern produced by superficial flashover of lightning current. Pathognomonic of lightning strike. Fades within 24-48 hours; early documentation...
- Marshall's Triad
- The three-part injury pattern from steering-wheel impact in frontal car crashes: rib fracture, sternal fracture and ruptured thoracic viscus. A diagnostic finding...
Explained in
- Electrical, Thermal, Regional and Traffic InjuriesA finding that indicates the victim was alive at the time of burning: line of erythema, blister with proteinaceous fluid, soot in the airway, raised carboxy-ha...