Burn First Aid

Burn First Aid

Burn First Aid – Introduction

Burn First Aid is essential knowledge for everyone in Canada. This information helps you respond safely and effectively to burns at home or elsewhere. It is designed as a practical guide for first aid and prevention, not as a full medical training manual.

Burns can happen quickly and may cause pain, skin damage, or more serious injuries. Knowing what to do immediately can reduce harm and improve recovery. This guide focuses on simple, safe steps you can take without special tools or training.

At home, you can:

• Cool the burn gently with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth.
• Remove tight items like rings or bracelets from the burned area before swelling starts.

What you must avoid:

• Do not apply ice, butter, oils, or creams to the burn.
• Do not break blisters or peel off burnt skin.
• Do not use adhesive dressings directly on the burn.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if the burn:

• Is large, deep, or affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints.
• Causes difficulty breathing or signs of shock (pale, clammy skin, weakness).
• Is caused by chemicals, electricity, or explosions.

For less severe burns, urgent care or a healthcare provider can offer further assessment and treatment. Always prioritise safety and seek professional help when in doubt.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Burn First Aid – Key facts

• Burn First Aid starts with stopping the burning process by removing the person from the source of heat safely.
• Cool the burn gently with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
• Do not apply ice, butter, oils, or home remedies, as these can worsen the injury or cause infection.
• Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth to protect the area from contamination.
• Do not break blisters or remove burnt clothing stuck to the skin; this can increase the risk of infection.
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if the burn is large, deep, involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or if the person has difficulty breathing or shows signs of shock.
• For minor burns, after first aid, monitor for Signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical advice if these occur.

Burn First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Burn First Aid starts with identifying the type and severity of the burn. Burns can be mild, moderate, or severe. Knowing the difference helps you decide what to do next and when to seek urgent care.

Mild burns

Mild burns usually affect only the top layer of skin. Symptoms include redness, minor swelling, and pain. The skin may feel warm but is not broken. These burns can often be treated safely at home.

Moderate burns

Moderate burns affect deeper layers of skin. You may see blisters, more intense pain, and swelling. The skin might look wet or shiny. These burns require medical assessment, especially if they cover a large area or are on sensitive parts like the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

Severe burns and emergency signs

Severe burns cause deep tissue damage. The skin may appear white, charred, or leathery. Severe pain or no pain at all can occur. Immediate emergency care is needed if you notice any of the following:

• Burns that cover a large area or involve the face, neck, hands, feet, or genitals
• Difficulty breathing or signs of smoke inhalation
• Burns with deep tissue damage or exposed muscle or bone
• Burns accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or numbness
• Signs of shock, such as pale skin, weakness, or confusion

If any of these danger signs appear, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. When in doubt, it is safer to seek urgent medical help rather than delay care.

Burn First Aid – Immediate first aid steps

Burn First Aid begins with quick and careful actions to reduce damage and ease pain. If you or someone else gets a burn, follow these safe steps right away while waiting for help.

What you can do at home

• Stop the burning by removing the person from the source of heat.
• Cool the burn gently with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
• Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth to protect it from infection.
• Remove any tight clothing or jewellery near the burn area, but do not try to remove anything stuck to the skin.
• Keep the person calm and comfortable. Offer water to drink if they are alert and not vomiting.

What to avoid

• Do not apply ice, butter, ointments, or creams to the burn. These can cause more damage or infection.
• Do not break blisters or peel off burnt skin.
• Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the burn.
• Do not delay seeking medical help if the burn is large, deep, or on sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

• If the burn is larger than the size of the person’s palm.
• If the burn is deep, white, charred, or causes numbness.
• If the person has trouble breathing, shows signs of shock, or the burn was caused by chemicals or electricity.
• If the person is very young, elderly, or has other health problems.

Burn First Aid – What NOT to do

When providing burn first aid, certain actions can make the injury worse or cause complications. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the situation safe and manageable until professional help arrives or you can seek further care.

Do NOT apply these substances

• Do not put ice or very cold water directly on the burn. This can cause further tissue damage and increase pain.
• Avoid applying butter, oils, creams, toothpaste, or ointments. These can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.
• Never use adhesive bandages or cotton balls on the burn, as they can stick to the wound and cause more harm when removed.

Do NOT break blisters or remove loose skin

Blisters protect the underlying skin. Popping or breaking them can lead to infection and slow healing. Let blisters heal naturally.

Do NOT delay seeking emergency care when needed

• Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if the burn is large, deep, or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
• Seek urgent care if the person has difficulty breathing, shows signs of shock, or if the burn is caused by chemicals or electricity.

Following these guidelines helps prevent complications and supports safe, effective burn first aid at home.

Burn First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is vital for effective burn first aid. Some burns require immediate emergency attention, while others can be safely treated at home or by a family doctor.

Call 911 immediately if:

• The burn is large, covering more than 10% of the body surface area.
• The burn is deep, causing white, charred, or leathery skin.
• The burn affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
• The person has difficulty breathing, shows signs of shock, or has inhaled smoke.
• The burn was caused by chemicals or electricity.
• The person is unconscious or unresponsive.

Go to the emergency department or urgent care if:

• The burn is moderate in size and depth but does not meet the criteria above.
• There is severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Signs of infection develop, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
• The burn is on sensitive areas like the face or joints but is not life-threatening.

See a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if:

• The burn is minor, small, and superficial (like a first-degree burn).
• There is mild pain and no signs of infection.
• You need advice on wound care or tetanus immunization.

Always prioritise safety. When in doubt, call 911 or seek emergency care promptly. Proper assessment ensures the best outcome for burn first aid.

Burn First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After providing initial burn first aid, it is important to monitor the injury closely. Keep the burn clean and dry to prevent infection. Avoid applying creams, ointments, or home remedies unless advised by a healthcare professional.

At-home care

• Gently clean the burn daily with mild soap and water.
• Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect it.
• Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage discomfort.
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest to support healing.

What to avoid

• Do not break blisters, as this increases the risk of infection.
• Avoid using ice, butter, or greasy substances on the burn.
• Do not expose the burn to direct sunlight until it has fully healed.

When to seek medical care

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor if the burn is larger than your palm, involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints, or if you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Burns that are deep, charred, or cause numbness
• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
• Signs of shock, such as fainting, pale skin, or confusion

Careful monitoring and timely follow-up help ensure proper healing and reduce complications after a burn injury.

Burn First Aid – Prevention tips

Preventing burns is key to keeping yourself and others safe at home, work, school, and in the community. Simple habits and the right safety equipment can reduce the risk of injury. Follow these practical tips to protect against burns and know when to seek urgent care.

At home

• Keep hot liquids and foods out of reach of children. Use back burners on the stove and turn pot handles inward.
• Test bath water temperature before use to avoid scalds. Aim for a maximum of 49°C (120°F).
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and check batteries regularly.
• Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot items. Avoid wearing loose clothing near open flames or hot surfaces.

At work and school

• Follow all safety protocols when working with Heat Sources or chemicals.
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and aprons when required.
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible and know how to use them.
• Report any unsafe conditions or equipment immediately.

In the community

• Be cautious around campfires, grills, and fireworks. Maintain a safe distance and supervise children closely.
• Do not leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable materials.
• Educate children about the dangers of fire and hot objects.

Remember, if a burn causes severe pain, blisters, or covers a large area, or if the person has difficulty breathing or shows signs of shock, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Early action can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Burn First Aid – FAQs

What is the first step in burn first aid?

Immediately cool the Burn With Cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as it can cause further damage.

Can I apply ointments or home remedies to a burn?

Do not apply butter, oils, toothpaste, or creams to a burn. These can trap heat and increase the risk of infection. After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth.

When should I call 911 or seek emergency care for a burn?

• If the burn is larger than the size of your palm.
• If it affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint.
• If the burn is deep, charred, or has white patches.
• If the person has difficulty breathing, shows signs of shock, or the burn was caused by chemicals or electricity.

Is it safe to pop blisters from a burn?

Do not pop blisters. They protect the underlying skin and help prevent infection. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area and cover it with a sterile dressing.

How can I prevent burns at home?

• Keep hot liquids and foods out of reach of children.
• Use oven mitts and be cautious around stoves and heaters.
• Test bath water temperature before use.
• Install smoke alarms and check them regularly.

Burn First Aid – Summary

Burn First Aid is essential to reduce pain and prevent complications after a burn injury. For minor burns, you can safely cool the area with cool (not cold) water for 10 to 20 minutes and cover it loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing. Avoid applying ice, butter, or ointments, as these can worsen the injury or cause infection.

Do not break blisters or remove burnt skin. If the burn is larger than your palm, involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint, or if it looks deep or causes severe pain, seek medical care promptly. Also, watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the burn is life-threatening, covers a large area, causes difficulty breathing, or if the person is unconscious or has other serious symptoms. Prompt professional care can prevent complications and improve healing.

Remember, when in doubt, it is safer to get medical advice or emergency help. Proper Burn First Aid can make a significant difference in recovery and comfort.

Burn First Aid – External Resources

• Health Canada – Burns First Aid
• Mayo Clinic – First Aid for Burns
• World Health Organization – Burns
• Canadian Red Cross – Burn First Aid

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.