When someone you know has a burn injury, it can be scary and require medical attention. It is important that appropriate and prompt treatment is given. If a burn is a third-degree burn--much of the body is involved-- it is best to call 911 and leave treatment to emergency medical care professionals. If it is a minor burn, first aid can be given to the affected individual.
Minor Burns
Step 1
Determine the severity of the burn. A first-degree burn is when only the first layer of skin is involved. There may be redness or swelling. A second-degree burn is when there is involvement of the second layer of skin. There may be slight blistering or it may be reddened or splotchy.
Step 2
Run cool water over the burned area as long as there is no broken skin. Do not apply ice to the area since this can cause damage to the fragile skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends running cool water over the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3
Cover the area with woven gauze. Be sure not to use cotton that can stick to the wound. If there is blistering, the blister may break on its own. Blisters should not be broken. Protect the area.
Step 4
Seek an evaluation by a doctor immediately if there are symptoms of infection. These include drainage, swelling, redness, odor from drainage, increased pain or warmth to the area, streaking on the skin surrounding the area or a fever.
Major Burns
Step 1
Evaluate for severity of the burn. According to Medline Plus, if a second-degree burn covers an area more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, or if it is located on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint, it should be treated as a major burn. A third-degree burn is when the third layer of skin, muscle or bone is involved. Skin may appear charred, black or white.
Step 2
Monitor the person's breathing, pulse and circulation. If the person is not breathing or if there is no pulse, CPR should be initiated until emergency personnel arrive.
Step 3
Call 911 immediately if a third-degree burn is suspected or if much of the body is affected. In addition, Medline Plus recommends 911 should be called if the extent of the burn cannot be determined, if it was caused by electricity or chemicals, if there is smoke inhalation or if there are signs of shock.
Step 4
Elevate the affected area, if possible. Do not move the person if there is a head, neck or spine injury, or broken bones.
Step 5
Do not remove clothing or immerse the affected area in water. Do remove any material that may be smoldering on an affected person. Cover with a moist sterile dressing if possible. Reassure the affected individual that help is on the way.
Tips and Warnings
- Depending on the extent of a burn and the date of the last tetanus vaccine given to the affected individual, a doctor may advise that a tetanus vaccine be administered.
- Medline Plus recommends that persons administering first aid to burn victims do not do the following: Do not break blisters or apply any ointments or salves on the burn. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin or give anything to the person by mouth. Do not place a severe burn in cold water. Children, elderly individuals and persons with a weakened immune system have a higher risk for burn complications; therefore, they should be evaluated by a doctor if there is a burn of any degree.
