Burns
The essentials
This topic presents the general principles of the first response to burns: stop the damaging exposure, assess the extent and severity of the injury and protect the casualty from further harm. In severe cases, arranging professional emergency medical care is the priority.
What to remember
For a burn, first stop the heat or chemical exposure and move the casualty away from the source safely. Cool a thermal burn with cool running water, not ice; do not burst blisters and do not apply oil or unknown substances. Deep or extensive burns, burns to the face/airway or electrical burns require urgent medical assistance.
Listen to the explanation
Educational material; not a substitute for the current official rules.
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What should be done when providing assistance for a burn?
- Leave the burn exposed.
- Open blisters filled with fluid and then tightly bandage.
- Apply oil on the burn.
- Cool the burn with water, then cover with sterile bandages or clean cloths.
The correct answer: Cool the burn with water, then cover with sterile bandages or clean cloths.
The correct action is: Cool the burn with water, then cover with sterile bandages or clean cloths. In first aid, the order of actions matters and only the steps required for the stated condition should be performed. Remember the order of actions and avoid adding unnecessary steps from the distractors.
What is the first aid for superficial thermal burns (skin redness, swelling, formation of clear fluid-filled blisters, severe pain)?
- Pour cold water on the burn area, cover with sterile gauze, and secure with a firm bandage.
- Open the blisters, clean the burn area from clothing residues, cover with sterile gauze (do not bandage), cool if possible, and give the victim water to drink.
- Cool the burn area with water for 20 minutes. Without opening blisters or removing clothing residues, cover with sterile gauze (do not bandage), cool if possible, and give the victim water to drink.
The correct answer: Cool the burn area with water for 20 minutes. Without opening blisters or removing clothing residues, cover with sterile gauze (do not bandage), cool if possible, and give the victim water to drink.
The correct action is: Cool the burn with water for about 20 minutes. Do not open blisters or remove adhered clothing. Cover the surface with a sterile dressing without tight bandaging, continue cooling if possible, and give the casualty water.
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