First Aid for Burn Injuries

Determine which type of burn:

• Thermal Burns (caused by flame, steam, hot liquids and hot surface)
• Chemical Burns (caused by bleach, cleaning solutions)
• Electrical Burns (caused by electrical plugs, lightning)

Thermal Burns
First, stop the burning process

• Flame Burn
  • Smother flames with a heavy blanket or use cool water
  • Flush area with cool water
  • Do not place butter or household agent on burns
• Scald or steam burn
  • Flush with cool water
• Contact with hot surface
  • Flush burn area with low-pressure running water
  • Never put ice on a burn

Chemical Burns
First, stop the burning process

• Liquid Chemicals:
  • Use gloves, avoid contact with chemical
  • Flush area with water continuously
  • Remove clothing and jewelry
  • Do not attempt to neutralize chemicals
• Powdered Chemicals:
  • Brush off as much as possible prior to washing with water
  • Remove clothing or jewelry
• Chemical in the Eyes:
  • Flush eyes continuously with water
  • Remove contacts
  • Keep eye lids open while flushing with water

Electrical Burns

• If the victim is still in contact with power:
  • Turn off the power at the circuit breaker before touching the person
  • If power cannot be turned off, use a nonconductive item such as wood (broom, mop) to move the power source away from the person
• Stop the Burning Process
  • If clothing is one first, put it out with water or a heavy blanket