First aid for burns

First aid for burns

Burns sometimes progress with serious complications and can be fatal. For this reason, timely and effective intervention to burns is important. On the other hand, late or incorrect interventions can leave permanent scars on the skin.



Burns involve two major risks such as dehydration and infection. Depending on the severity, it is very important to take infection control measures when dealing with burns. On the other hand, fluid-filled swellings after burns or fluid losses from the skin can cause severe dehydration. These fluid losses need to be corrected quickly depending on the patient’s condition.

General recommendations for treating burns: 

• Be cool and calm when dealing with the burn,
• Pay attention to hygiene and cleanliness,
• Do not blow up the places that have collected water, if it is detonated unconsciously, it can be a source of infection and leave important traces after recovery,
• Remove items such as rings, bracelets, watches that are thought to cause edema,
• If there are places that are stuck, make sure,
• Do not apply substances such as medicine or burn ointment on the burn,
• Cover the burn with a clean cloth.
• Cover the patient/injured with a blanket,
• Do not apply bandages to the burned areas,
• If the burn is extensive, the patient does not vomit and is conscious, give fluids by mouth.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

First aid for first degree burns: 

• Hold the burned area under the tap for at least 10 minutes or immerse it in cold water. Do not use ice, greater damage may occur.
• Remove jewelry such as rings, bracelets, and watches before swelling begins in the burn area.
• Cover the burn with a clean cloth.

First aid for second degree burns: 

• Hold the burned area under the tap for at least 10 minutes or immerse it in cold water.
• Remove jewelry such as rings, bracelets, and watches before swelling begins in the burn area.
• Cover the burn with a clean cloth.
• Suspend the burned limb as swelling develops more rapidly in the burn area.
• Do not burst the blisters (bulla), there is a risk of infection and scarring.
• There may be dehydration, so seek medical attention.

First aid for third and fourth degree burns: 

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Evaluate the patient’s vital signs, try to keep breathing and circulation open.
• Cover the burn with a clean cloth or dressing.

First aid for burns caused by heat: 

• Do not panic, prevent the burning person from panicking.
• Move the person away from the heat source.
• Cover the burned person with a blanket or a sheet, have him roll over to put out the fire.
• Evaluate the patient’s vital signs. Maintain airway patency, provide respiratory and circulatory support if needed.
• Remove clothing, rings, jewelry, etc., without damaging the burned skin.
• Do not move items that adhere to the skin.
• If the burned area is not very large, soak it under the tap for at least 10 minutes or soak it in cold water.
• Do not apply yogurt, butter, eggs, cream, etc. on the burn.
• Cover the burn area with a clean cloth.
• If the burn area is large, elevate the limb.
• If the pain is excessive, conscious and able to take food by mouth, you can use painkillers.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

What can you do for sunburn?: 

• If you’ve been out in the sun for too long and you notice signs of sunburn (red, sore, rough skin), immediately move to a shaded, indoor area.
• Immerse the sunburned area under cold water for at least 10 minutes or take a shower.
• Apply oil-less sun lotions to the burned area. It will moisten and cool the area.
• If you have pain, you can use painkillers.
• Consume plenty of fluids, the limit lost from the skin should be replaced.
• If there are signs of sunstroke such as fever, chills, extreme weakness, nausea, vomiting, seek medical attention.

First aid for chemical burns :

• Do not panic, prevent the burning person from panicking.
• Move the person away from the chemical source.
• Wash the burned area gently with plenty of non-pressurized water for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Carefully remove clothing, jewelry, rings, etc., on the burned person.
• Cover the burned area with a clean cloth or dressing.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

First aid for electrical burns :

• Do not panic, prevent the burning person from panicking.
• Move the person away from the electrical current. You can also interrupt the current with an insulating object such as a wooden stick or string.
• Evaluate the patient’s vital signs. Maintain airway patency, provide respiratory and circulatory support if needed.
• Do not apply water to the burned area.
• Do not move the patient.
• Cover the burned area with a clean cloth or dressing.
• Seek immediate medical attention.