Take a Class Resources Learn First Aid Burns
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  • Burns: How To Help

    What is a Burn?

    A burn is a traumatic injury to the skin (and sometimes the underlying tissues as well) caused by contact with extreme heat, chemicals, radiation or electricity.

    Types of Burns

      Burns can be classified according to depth.

      • Superficial burns: involve the epidermis (the top layer of skin)
      • Partial-thickness burns: involve the epidermis and the dermis (the layer of skin underneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and glands)
      • Full-thickness burns: involve both layers of skin; may extend into the subcutaneous tissue, muscle or bone underneath

      Any burn that is more than superficial requires medical care. Many burns are potentially life-threatening and require EMS care.

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      Emergency Steps

      1

      Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

      2

      Check for signs and symptoms.

      • Burns through deep layers of skin, fat, muscle or bone*
      • Large body surface area burns
      • Burns to the face, mouth, nose, hands, feed, joints or groin*
      • Electrical, chemical, radiation or explosive burns*
      • Burns in people with medical conditions or other injuries*
      • Burns in very young or elderly*
      • Burns around limb, chest or neck*
      • Red, brown, black or white skin
      • Extreme to almost no pain
      • Swelling
      • Blisters that may ooze

      *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

      3

      Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

      4

      Give Care.

      General Care

      1. Give care for specific type of burn (thermal/heat, chemical or electrical).
      2. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
      3. Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
      4. Give care for shock, if necessary.
      5. Position the person as appropriate.
      6. Reassure them you will help and that EMS has been called (if appropriate).
      7. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

      Chemical Burns

      1. If trained, remove or help the person remove any clothing contaminated with the chemical.
        1. Wearing PPE is critical before touching the person to prevent chemical exposure to yourself.
      2. Remove the chemical from the skin as quickly as possible.
      3. Brush off dry chemical powder or granules with gloved hands or a cloth. If a liquid, flush with water.
      4. Cool the burn as soon as possible using cool, clean, running water for at least 15 minutes.
        1. If clean, cool, running water is not available, use clean, lukewarm water or apply a cool or cold compress.
      5. If the chemical is in the eye, flush the eye until EMS arrives.
      6. Leave the burn uncovered.
      7. If EMS was called and is delayed or transport is needed, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing, a clean dressing or plastic wrap, if necessary.
      8. Continue to monitor the person for changes in condition.

      Electrical Burns

      1. Ensure the power source has been turned off before approaching the person.
      2. Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the burn site.
      3. Cool the burn using clean, cool, running water. Cool the burn as soon as possible and for at least 15 minutes.
        1. If clean, cool, running water is not available, use clean, lukewarm water or apply a cool or cold compress.
      4. Leave the burn uncovered.
      5. If EMS was called and is delayed or transport is needed, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing, clean dressing or plastic wrap, if necessary.
      6. Urge them to be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
        1. Even a small electrical burn can mean significant internal injuries.
      7. Be prepared to give CPR or compression only CPR based on level of training and use an AED when available (cardiac arrest).
        1. Electricity can affect the heart and breathing.
      8. Continue to watch for changes in condition and give care as appropriate.

      Thermal (Heat) Burns

      1. Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the burn site.
      2. Cool the burn as soon as possible under clean, cool, running water for 20 minutes. If clean, cool, running water is not available, use clean, lukewarm water or apply a cool or cold compress.
      3. Never use ice, ice water, or a freezing compress to cool a burn.
      4. Doing so can cause more damage to the skin.
      5. Leave the burn uncovered.
      6. If EMS was called and is delayed or transport is needed, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing, a clean dressing or plastic wrap, if necessary.
      7. Continue to watch for changes in condition and give care as appropriate.

      Burns FAQs

      Should I put butter or cream on a burn? I've heard that will help.

      No. Butter, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly or any other greasy substance does not help relieve pain or promote healing. Using a greasy substance can seal in the heat and make the burn worse.

      Should I use ice to cool the burn?

      No. Use water. Ice may further damage the skin. If you don't have any water, use a clean or cold, but not freezing, compress for cooling thermal burns.

      How do I know if I or the person with the burn should go to the hospital?

      The person should go to the hospital if:

      • A child has been burned.
      • The burn blisters.
      • The burn affects more than one body area.
      • The burn covers the hands, feet, joints, face, neck, or genitals.
      • A larger surface area, such as trunk or limbs, is involved.
      • Underlying tissues are visible.

      Should I put an adhesive bandage over the burn?

      No. Don't use any adhesive bandages because they will stick to the skin and may cause further damage. Loosely cover it with a clean, dry, non-adhesive dressing.

      How can I prevent burns?

      • Set the water heater at 120° F or less.
        • For children or older adults, set the water temperature between 100° F and 115°F.
      • Keep flammable items away from heat sources.
      • Do not wear loose clothing when cooking.
      • Use back burners and turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove, out of the reach of children.
      • Do not use extension cords or overload outlets.

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      Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

      Behind every American Red Cross training program stands the Scientific Advisory Council - a team of experts dedicated to ensuring that what you learn is based on the latest and best emergency science. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

      Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid App

      The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for common emergencies in the palm of your hand—from the latest First Aid and CPR techniques to the nearest hospital location. Stay up to date on your lifesaving skills. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETFIRST" to 90999.

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