Heat or thermal burn is the most common type of burn, resulting from direct contact with hot objects, open flames, and scalds from contact with hot liquids or steam. Unsafe handling of fire crackers, campfire accidents, playing with matches, automobile accidents, space heaters and kitchen accidents are common sources of heat burns. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to severe burns, according to MedlinePlus. First degree burns are considered minor burns and affect only the first layer of skin and treatable at home. Second and third-degree burns affect the deeper skin and tissue layers; third degree burns require immediate emergency attention.
Assess Damage
Step 1
Remove the victim from the source of heat or fire. If he is on fire, cover him with a blanket or jacket, or instruct him to stop, drop and roll.
Step 2
Examine the damaged skin. First degree burns are slightly painful, red or slightly swollen and damage only the outer skin layer. Second degree burns damage the underlying skin layers and are painful, have blisters that may break, and appear red and wet. Third degree burns damage the deeper tissue and appear dry, leathery, brown or charred. The burn victim may describe the burn as feeling numb and painless; the victim may be in shock.
Step 3
Call for help. Notify the 911 operator if the burn covers a large area, if it came from a fire or liquid, or if the burn is on the face, feet, joints or genitals.
First-degree Burns
Step 1
Remove clothing from the burned area, except clothing that stuck to the burn.
Step 2
Run cool water on the burned area for 3 to 5 minutes to cool the area. Do not put ice or iced water on the affected area as this may further damage the skin.
Step 3
Give the victim an over-the-counter pain reliever as necessary.
Second and Third-degree Burns
Step 1
Soak the skin in cool water for 15 minutes for second-degree burns, notes the Family Doctor website. Cool water helps reduce the swelling by pulling heat away from the burned skin. Give the victim an over-the-counter pain reliever as necessary.
Step 2
Call for immediate emergency medical assistance, or proceed to the hospital for third-degree burns. Do not apply cream and do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn. Do not soak the affected burn in iced water as this can cause shock.
Step 3
Get the person to lie down and elevate the affected area above the level of the heart.
Step 4
Check that the victim is breathing. If the airways are blocked or the victim is not breathing, open the airways and perform CPR with instructions from the 911 operator.
Step 5
Cover the victim with a clean, soft cloth or blanket to prevent shock. Do not use towels or sheets with fibers that can stick to the burned skin. Monitor the victim's vital signs such as breathing, pulse rate or blood pressure until emergency personnel arrives.
Things You'll Need
- Cold compress
- Anesthetic burn cream
- Sterile gauze or bandage
