Burn injuries can result from various types of accidents, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, hot liquids, electrical currents, chemicals, or even radiation. When such accidents occur, providing correct and effective first aid at the scene is essential. Proper immediate care can significantly reduce the severity and long-term consequences of the injury.
5 Key Situations to Know for Burn First Aid
- Fire Burns: Remove the victim from the source of the fire as quickly as possible. If clothing is on fire, remove clothing and jewelry.
- Scalds from Hot Liquids: Use a clean cloth soaked in cold water to apply to the burned area.
- Electrical Burns: Turn off the source of electricity before helping. Separate the victim from the current safely. If the patient is unresponsive or not breathing, begin CPR immediately and transfer them to a hospital.
- Chemical Burns: Identify whether the chemical is dry or in liquid form. For dry/powder chemicals, brush it off and remove contaminated clothing. If liquid, flush the affected area with clean water continuously.
- Radiation Exposure: Remove the victim from the source immediately. Rescuers should wear protective gear. Remove the patient’s clothing, wash their body thoroughly, and transport them to a hospital.
Burn Treatment Depends on Burn Depth
For effective treatment, it’s important to assess the depth of the burn. Burns are classified into three degrees:
1st-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)
- Only affects the outer epidermis.
- Skin appears red without blisters, with pain or burning sensation.
- Typically heals within 7 days without scarring unless infection occurs.
- Common causes include sunburn or brief contact with hot surfaces or steam.
- Treatment: Apply topical burn creams or appropriate wound dressings.
2nd-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness Burns)
Divided into superficial and deep partial thickness burns:
- Superficial 2nd-Degree:
- Involves all layers of the epidermis and upper dermis.
- Blisters form; removing them reveals pink, moist skin with yellowish discharge.
- Very painful because nerve endings are still intact.
- Heals within 2–3 weeks with minimal risk of scarring unless infected.
- Involves all layers of the epidermis and upper dermis.
- Deep 2nd-Degree:
- Extends into deeper layers of the dermis.
- Skin may appear white-yellow, dry, less blistered, and less painful.
- Healing time: 3–6 weeks.
- Treatment includes topical antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Higher risk of scarring than superficial burns.
- Extends into deeper layers of the dermis.
3rd-Degree Burns (Full Thickness Burns)
- Destroys both epidermis and dermis, including hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings.
- Skin may appear white, yellow, brown, or black, dry and leathery.
- The affected area often feels numb due to nerve damage.
- May extend to muscles or bones.
- Requires surgical treatment such as skin grafting.
- Often leads to scarring and limited joint movement if untreated.
General Burn and Scald First Aid
- Rinse the burn with clean water at room temperature.
- Mild soap can be used to cleanse the wound initially.
- Cover with a clean cloth and seek medical attention promptly.
- Modern burn care has advanced significantly, with high-quality wound dressings available.
- Proper wound care and early treatment from a physician can:
- Speed up healing
- Reduce pain
- Minimize scarring
- Speed up healing
⚠️ Important Note
Do not apply foreign substances to burns such as toothpaste, egg whites, or oils, as they:
- Complicate wound cleaning
- Increase the risk of infection
- Delay healing
