BURNS

Severe Burns

Treatment

* Start cooling the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutes.

* Dial 911 for an ambulance.
* Make the person as comfortable as possible, lie them down.
* Continue to pour copious amounts of cold water over the burn for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved.
* While wearing disposable gloves, remove jewelry, watch or clothing from the affected area - unless it is sticking to the skin.
* Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection. Cloth, a clean plastic bag or kitchen film all make good dressings.
* Treat for shock.
Minor Burns

Treatment

* For minor burns, hold the affected area under cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove jewelry etc. and cover the burn as detailed above.

* If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment.

If Clothing on fire

Treatment

* Stop the person from panicking or running – any movement or breeze will fan the flames.
* Drop the person to the ground.
* If possible, wrap the person tightly in a coat, curtain or blanket (not the nylon or cellular type), rug or other heavy-duty fabric. The best fabric is wool.
* Roll the casualty along the ground until the flames have been smothered.
On ALL burns:

DO NOT use lotions, ointments and creams
DO NOT use adhesive dressings
DO NOT break blisters

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.