First Aid for Burns: How to Help Someone in an Emergency
Burns can range from minor injuries that can be treated at home to severe injuries that require immediate medical attention. Here’s what you need to know about first aid for burns:
Types of Burns
- First-degree burns: These affect only the outer layer of skin and usually heal within a few days. They may cause redness, swelling, and pain.
- Second-degree burns: These affect the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath. They may cause blisters, swelling, and severe pain.
- Third-degree burns: These affect all layers of skin and may even damage the underlying bones, muscles, and nerves. They may cause white or blackened skin, numbness, or difficulty moving the affected area.
Action Items
- Remove the source of the burn if it is safe to do so. For example, if someone spills hot coffee on their hand, help them remove their shirt or any other clothing that may be soaked in the hot liquid.
- Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. This can help reduce pain and prevent the burn from spreading.
- Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage. This can help protect the burn from infection.
- Give pain medication if necessary, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Seek medical attention if the burn is large, deep, or affects sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, or genitals.