First Aid for Burns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Burns are common injuries that can occur at home, in the workplace, or outdoors. Understanding how to administer first aid for burns can significantly reduce the severity of the injury and prevent further complications. This article provides a simple, step-by-step guide on how to handle burns before seeking professional medical help.

Types of Burns

Before administering first aid, it is important to identify the type of burn. Burns are categorized into three degrees:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness, swelling, and mild pain.
• Second-degree burns: Affect both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis), causing blistering, severe pain, and swelling.
• Third-degree burns: Extend through all layers of the skin, causing white or charred skin and numbness due to nerve damage.

First Aid Steps for Burns

1. Stop the Burning Process

The first priority is to stop the source of the burn. If it’s caused by fire, stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames. For electrical burns, turn off the power source before touching the injured person. In the case of chemical burns, remove the substance and flush the affected area with water.

2. Cool the Burn

Once the burn source is eliminated, cool the burn with running cool (not cold) water for at least 10–20 minutes. This helps reduce the temperature of the skin and prevent further tissue damage. Do not use ice, as it can cause more harm to the skin.

3. Protect the Burn

After cooling, cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean cloth. Avoid using any lotions, creams, or butter, as these can trap heat and worsen the burn. The goal is to keep the area clean and protected from infection.

4. Treat for Shock

Burn victims can go into shock, which can be life-threatening. Keep the person lying down, elevate their feet slightly, and cover them with a blanket to maintain body warmth. Monitor their breathing and heartbeat, and reassure them to help reduce anxiety.

5. Seek Medical Attention

For second-degree or third-degree burns, or if the burn covers a large area, seek immediate medical help. First-degree burns that are small can usually be treated at home, but any burn that involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

6. Do Not Break Blisters

If blisters form, do not break them. Blisters act as a natural barrier to infection. If they rupture on their own, clean the area gently with mild soap and water, then cover it with a sterile bandage.

Special Considerations for Chemical Burns

If the burn was caused by chemicals, it’s crucial to remove the chemical substance as soon as possible. Brush off any dry chemicals and then rinse the area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Avoid rubbing the affected area to prevent further injury.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns may not appear severe on the outside but can cause deep tissue damage. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if someone is injured by electricity, even if they seem to recover quickly.

Conclusion

Burns can be painful and serious, but knowing how to provide proper first aid can minimize damage and aid in recovery. Always cool the burn, protect the injured area, and seek professional medical help when necessary. Quick and proper first aid can make all the difference in the outcome of a burn injury.