FIRST AID FOR BURNS

MINOR BURNS:
Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold
the burned area under cool (not cold)
running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until
the pain eases. Or apply a clean towel
dampened with cool tap water.
Remove rings or other tight items from the
burned area. Try to do this quickly and
gently, before the area swells.
Don't break small blisters (no bigger than
your little fingernail). If blisters break, gently
clean the area with mild soap and water,
apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it
with a nonstick gauze bandage.
Apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel, or
low-dose hydrocortisone cream, which may
provide relief in some cases.
If needed, take an over-the-counter pain
reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB,
others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Consider a tetanus shot. Make sure that
your tetanus booster is up to date. Doctors
recommend people get a tetanus shot at
least every 10 years.
See your doctor if you develop large blisters.
Large blisters are best removed, as they rarely
will remain intact on their own. Also seek
medical help if the burn covers a large area of
the body or if you notice signs of infection, such
as oozing from the wound and increased pain,
redness and swelling.
  
MAJOR BURNS CAN BE CARED FOR IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
Protect the burned person from further
harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the
person you're helping is not in contact with
smoldering materials or exposed to smoke
or heat. But don't remove burned clothing
stuck to the skin.
Check for signs of circulation. Look for
breathing, coughing or movement. Begin
CPR if needed.
Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive
items, especially from around burned areas
and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.
Don't immerse large severe burns in cold
water. Doing so could cause a serious loss
of body heat (hypothermia) or a drop in
blood pressure and decreased blood flow
(shock).
Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound
above heart level, if possible.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool,
moist, bandage or a clean cloth.
Take the victim to the hospital as early as possible.