First Aid

Burns

Burns can be caused by many different heat sources, including the sun, chemicals, and electricity. Not surprisingly, burns are one of the most common medical emergencies. Even minor burns can be very painful, so use the Burn Guide or call your primary care physician to determine if you need medical attention.

Burn Guide

  FIRST DEGREE SECOND DEGREE THIRD DEGREE
DAMAGE Top layer of skin only Upper two layers of skin All skin layers, plus nerves, fat & muscle
SYMPTOMS Skin is red, mild swelling Skin is red, blistered, swollen Skin is charred (either black or white) and raw
WHEN TO SEE A
DOCTOR		 Usually not necessary if pain subsides in two or three days If burn covers more than ten percent of body (five percent for children)* or symptoms worsen after two or three days See a doctor immediately for all third degree burns

Smoke Burns

Smoke can cause serious respiratory problems. Look for coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, phlegm tinged with soot, or red sores inside the mouth. If any of these symptoms appear, go to the Emergency Department right away.

Treatment Techniques

Minor Burns

  • Remove the heat source. This means getting out of the sun, putting down a hot pan, washing off chemicals, or removing clothes that are soaked with scalding water.
  • Remove clothing and jewelry that may retain heat or restrict circulation if swelling begins.
  • Apply cool water by immersion, cold compress or gentle rinsing. Continue for at least ten minutes to help close damaged blood vessels and prevent swelling. (For blistered or broken skin, use ice wrapped in plastic to cool the area.)
  • Don't cover first degree burns, but you should bandage second and third degree burns with smooth gauze that won't stick.
  • To relieve minor discomfort, take aspirin-free pain relievers. If pain worsens, you notice discharge from the burn, or it is becoming more red, hot and tender, see a doctor it could become infected.

Special Care For Serious Burns

  • Get the person to a safe place and call for help. However, you should not try to move a person if he or she has possible spinal injuries or if you could be in danger yourself due to a live electrical current or a fire.
  • Check vital functions ­ airway, breathing, circulation ­ and begin CPR if necessary.
  • Elevate affected limbs to minimize swelling.
  • Give nothing to the victim by mouth.
  • Don't apply cold water to third degree burns larger than a silver dollar, as it can cause shock or hypothermia. Instead, cover the person and keep him or her as comfortable as possible until help arrives.

Powder Burns

  • If powdered chemicals come in contact with your skin, read the label before taking action. Some powdered chemicals, like drain openers, are activated by water so washing can do more harm than good.

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