Back to: Basic First Aid Business & Medical Professionals
Follow these first aid action steps for small burns:
- Make sure the scene is safe especially at the scene of an electrical injury. Stay clear of the person if they are in contact with a power source that is on. Get the first aid kit.
- Wear PPE.
- Cool the burn area immediately with cold (not ice-cold), water for at least 10 minutes.
- Run cold water on the burn until it doesn’t hurt.
- Apply ointment such as Aloe Vera.
- You may cover the burn with a dry, nonstick sterile or clean dressing.
Actions to take for large burns:
- Make sure scene is safe.
- If there is a fire, the burn area is large, or you’re not sure what to do, phone 911.
- If the person or his clothing is on fire, put the fire out. Have the person STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Then cover the person with a wet blanket. Replace with a dry blanket when the fire is out.
- Once the fire is out, remove the wet blanket. Carefully remove jewelry and clothing that is not stuck to the skin.
- For large burns, cool the burn area immediately with cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the burning subsides.
- After you cool the burns, cover with dry, nonstick, sterile or clean dressings.
- Raise the burn injury above the patient’s heart (increase blood pressure).
- Cover the person with a dry blanket.
- Check for signs of shock.
- A person with a large burn should be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Activate EMS (call 911) if the burn is severe (third degree burn) or the scene becomes unsafe.
- Provide CPR for severe conditions. If you do not know how, give Hands only CPR.