Emergency burn treatment focuses on stopping the burning process, cooling the burn, and seeking appropriate medical attention. The severity of the burn dictates the next steps.
Immediate Actions
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Stop the Burning Process: Immediately remove the source of the burn. This could involve extinguishing flames, removing the person from contact with a hot object, or removing corrosive chemicals. (Source: Burn Resuscitation and Management - StatPearls)
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Cool the Burn: Cool the burn with cool (not cold or icy) running water for 10-30 minutes. Avoid ice, ointments, or home remedies. (Sources: First Aid: COOL, COVER & CALL; Burns: First aid - Mayo Clinic; Emergent Management of Thermal Burns: Practice Essentials) Immersion in cold water (1-5°C) for 30 minutes is recommended if immediate transport isn't possible. (Source: Emergent Management of Thermal Burns: Practice Essentials)
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Remove Clothing and Jewelry: Carefully remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn area to prevent further injury or restriction of blood flow. (Source: First Aid: COOL, COVER & CALL)
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Cover the Burn: Gently cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or bandage to protect it and minimize pain. (Sources: First Aid: COOL, COVER & CALL; Burns: First aid - Mayo Clinic) Avoid using fluffy materials like cotton which could stick to the burn.
Assessing the Severity and Seeking Medical Help
Call emergency services (911 or your local equivalent) immediately for:
- Major burns: These include burns covering a large area of the body, burns that penetrate deep into the skin (third-degree burns), burns involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals, electrical burns, and chemical burns. (Sources: Burns: First aid - Mayo Clinic; The Emergency Management and Treatment of Severe Burns - PMC)
- Burns with complications: Severe pain, difficulty breathing, signs of shock (weak pulse, pale skin), or signs of infection.
For less severe burns, monitor for signs of infection and seek medical attention if necessary. (Source: Burns: First aid - Mayo Clinic)
Ongoing Care (After Initial First Aid)
Pain management may involve intravenous morphine for significant burns. (Source: Emergency care of moderate and severe thermal burns in adults) Further treatment in a hospital setting will depend on the severity and type of burn. This can include wound cleaning, debridement (removal of dead tissue), skin grafts, and ongoing pain management. (Source: Burns - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic)
