Chapter 7 · First Aid
Burns
| Type | What it looks like | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial (1st degree) | Red, dry, painful skin, no blisters (like a mild sunburn). | Cool with water; cover if it rubs. Usually heals on its own. |
| Partial thickness (2nd degree) | Deep red, blisters, moist, very painful. | Cool with water; cover loosely. Medical care if it is extensive or on a sensitive area. |
| Full thickness (3rd degree) | White, brown, black, or leathery; may hurt little because the nerves are damaged. | 911. Cover with clean, dry material; watch for shock. |
- Stop the burning: move the person away from the source. Clothing on fire: "stop, drop, and roll."
- Cool with cool or cold running water for at least 10 minutes, ideally 20 (Red Cross). Cooling helps even if you start up to 3 hours later. Do not go beyond about 40 minutes and make sure the whole body does not get chilled, especially with large burns.
- Remove rings, watches, belts, and clothing from the area before it swells, except anything stuck to the skin.
- Cover loosely with a sterile nonstick dressing or clean plastic wrap (kitchen film type, in strips, not wrapped around the limb).
- Call 911 if the burn is full thickness, extensive, goes around a limb, affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints, if it is chemical or electrical, or if there is difficulty breathing, a hoarse voice, or soot in the nose or mouth (airway burn).
