How to Give First Aid for Burns

Burns are a common injury that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Whether it's a kitchen mishap, a sunburn, or a chemical spill, knowing how to provide first aid for burns is crucial. Prompt and proper first aid can significantly reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle burn injuries effectively.

Assessing the Burn

Before administering first aid, it's important to assess the severity of the burn. Burns are classified into four degrees:

First-degree burns

These are superficial burns affecting only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). They cause redness, mild pain, and swelling.

Second-degree burns

These involve damage to the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). They cause blisters, intense pain, redness, and swelling.

Third-degree burns

These are severe burns extending through all layers of the skin and sometimes underlying tissues. The skin may appear white, leathery, or charred. There may be little or no pain due to nerve damage.

Fourth-degree burns

These are the deepest and most severe burns, extending through the skin and underlying tissues to damage tendons, ligaments, and bones. They often appear charred or blackened. There is no sensation in the affected area due to complete nerve destruction.

First Aid for Burns by Degree

What first aid should be given for burns depends on the degree of the burn. In this section, you will find how to first aid for burns based on its severity. 

First-degree burns

Here’s what you can do as first aid for minor burns:

• Cool the burn with cool running water for 10 minutes.
• Apply aloe vera gel or an antiseptic burn cream to soothe the skin and prevent dryness.
• Cover with a clean, non-stick bandage if desired.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Second-degree burns

Steps to take for second degree burns include:

• Cool the burn with cool running water for 15-20 minutes.
• Do not break blisters. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water and cover it with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
• Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing to prevent infection. Change the dressing daily.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
• Seek medical attention if the burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter, deep, or on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

Third-degree burns

For third degree burns, follow the given steps: 

• Do not attempt to treat third-degree burns at home.
• Call for emergency medical help immediately.
• While waiting for help, ensure the person is lying down and elevate the burned area, if possible, to minimize swelling.
• Loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing to prevent contamination.
• Do not apply any ointments or creams.
• Monitor the person for signs of shock, such as rapid breathing, weak pulse, and pale skin.

Fourth-degree burns

These are the severest forms of burns. Here’s what you can do: 

• Call for emergency medical help immediately. These burns are life-threatening and require specialized care in a hospital setting.
• Ensure the person's airway is open and they are breathing. If not, begin CPR if you are trained.
• Lay the person down and elevate the burned area if possible.
• Loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing.
• Do not apply any ointments or creams.
• Do not immerse the burn in water, as this can lead to hypothermia.
• Monitor the person for signs of shock and provide support until emergency services arrive.

First Aid for Other Types of Burns

For Chemical Burns

1. Protect Yourself: If possible, wear gloves to avoid contact with the chemical.
2. Remove the Chemical: Quickly remove any contaminated clothing, jewelry, or other items that may be holding the chemical against the skin.
3. Flush with Water: Immediately flush the burned area with cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Use a shower or hose if available to provide a continuous stream of water.
4. Remove Dry Chemicals: If the chemical is a dry powder, gently brush it off the skin before flushing with water.
5. Protect the Eyes: If the chemical has splashed into the eyes, flush them with cool water for at least 20 minutes, ensuring the eyelids are held open.
6. Cover the Burn: Loosely cover the burned area with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately, especially if the burn is large, deep, on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if the chemical is known to cause serious damage.

For Electrical Burns

1. Ensure Safety: DO NOT touch the person until the source of electricity is turned off. This could result in you also receiving an electrical shock.
2. Turn Off the Power: If possible, turn off the electrical source at the circuit breaker or unplug the appliance.
3. Move the Person: If you cannot turn off the power, use a non-conductive object like a wooden broom handle or a dry rope to move the person away from the electrical source.
4. Check for Breathing: Check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If not, begin CPR immediately if you are trained.
5. Cover the Burn: Loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry clean cloth.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Always seek immediate medical attention for electrical burns, even if they appear minor. Electrical burns can cause internal damage that is not immediately visible.

What NOT to Do in Case of Burns

• Do not apply ice: Applying ice directly to a burn can further damage the skin and cause frostbite.
• Do not apply butter or oil: These can trap heat and worsen the burn.
• Do not break blisters: Breaking blisters can increase the risk of infection.
• Do not use cotton balls: Fibers from cotton balls can stick to the burn.
• Do not apply toothpaste: Toothpaste can irritate the burn and increase the risk of infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention immediately if:

• The burn is severe (third-degree or fourth-degree) or covers a large area.
• The burn is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
• The burn is causing severe pain or blistering.
• There are signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
• The burn is electrical or chemical.
• The person has difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• The person is an infant or elderly.

Summing Up

Burns can be painful and debilitating, but knowing the right steps for first aid for burns can make a significant difference in the healing process. Remember to act quickly, cool the burn, protect the wound, and seek medical attention when necessary. By following these guidelines, you can help minimize the damage caused by burns and promote a faster recovery.

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Sources:

https://ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/burnfirstaid.pdf

https://www.verywellhealth.com/first-aid-for-burns-5208710