Articles
Burns: First aid
Is it a minor burn or a major burn?
Content
Is it a major or minor burn?
Treating major burns
Treating minor burns
When to seek emergency help
Treatment
Overview
When to get emergency help
Major burns
Minor burns
What to avoid
When to call your doctor
Content
Is it a major or minor burn?
Treating major burns
Treating minor burns
When to seek emergency help
Treatment
Overview
When to get emergency help
Major burns
Minor burns
What to avoid
When to call your doctor
Major burns
Major burns need emergency medical care. While waiting for help:
- Keep the person safe. Move the person away from the source of the burn if it's safe to do so. Make sure the power source is turned off before touching someone with an electrical burn.
- Check for breathing. If the person isn't breathing, start CPR if you know how.
- Remove tight items. Burns can swell quickly. Gently take off jewelry, belts or tight clothing from around burned areas before swelling starts. Don't pull off clothing stuck to the burned skin.
- Cover the burn. Loosely cover the area with a clean, dry cloth or sterile gauze.
- Raise the burned area. If possible, keep it above heart level.
- Watch for shock. Symptoms include cool, pale skin, a weak pulse or fast breathing. If you notice these symptoms, lay the person down and cover them with a clean, dry sheet or light blanket.
