Burn First Aid
Cool the burn, not the patient, to limit tissue damage
Step by Step
Stop the burning process and make the area safe. Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes, ideally as soon as possible and within 3 hours of injury, while keeping the rest of the person warm. Remove jewelry and clothing near the burn before swelling starts, but do not remove anything stuck to the skin. Cover loosely with cling film laid over the burn, not wrapped around, or a clean non fluffy dressing. Do NOT apply ice, butter, toothpaste, or creams. Do not burst blisters. Call emergency services or seek urgent care for burns larger than the person's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over joints, deep burns, burns in young children or older people, and all chemical and electrical burns.
Related Guides
Severe Bleeding Control
Call emergency services immediately for severe, spurting, or pooling bleeding, and protect yourself with gloves if available. Appl...
Fracture Management
Call emergency services for suspected fractures of the thigh, pelvis, neck, or back, open fractures, or if the person is in severe...
Shock Management
Shock is a life threatening condition: call emergency services. Signs: pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow br...
Eye Injury
For chemicals in the eye: rinse immediately with clean running water for at least 20 minutes, holding the eyelids open, with the i...