Burn injuries can happen in the blink of an eye — a splash of hot water, a careless touch of a hot pan, a burst of firecracker, or an electrical short circuit.
Whether minor or severe, burns require immediate first aid to minimize tissue damage, prevent infection, and ease pain before professional medical help is available.

The actions you take in the first 10 minutes can make a significant difference in healing and recovery.

This article will guide you through the immediate first-aid measures for burns, what to do — and equally importantly, what not to do — before reaching the hospital.

Understanding Burns: Types and Severity

Before applying first aid, it’s essential to recognize the type and severity of the burn, as treatment differs accordingly.

First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)

• Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis)
• Symptoms: Redness, mild pain, and swelling (like a mild sunburn)
• Usually heal in 3–6 days without scarring

Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness Burns)

• Affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis
• Symptoms: Blistering, intense pain, swelling, and wet-looking skin
• Healing may take 2–3 weeks and may leave pigmentation

Third-Degree Burns (Full Thickness Burns)

• Destroy all layers of skin, possibly affecting muscles, nerves, and bones
• Symptoms: Skin appears white, blackened, or leathery; may be painless due to nerve damage
• Requires immediate hospital care and possibly surgery or grafting

Step-by-Step: Immediate First Aid for Burns

Step 1: Stop the Burning Process

• Move away from the source of heat immediately.
• If clothing catches fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll — stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish the flames.
• Turn off electricity if it’s an electrical burn source before touching the victim.
• Remove the person from smoke or chemicals safely.

Step 2: Cool the Burn

• Run cool (not cold), clean water over the burn area for 15–20 minutes.
  • This helps stop the burning process and reduce pain and swelling.
  • If running water isn’t available, use a clean, cool, wet cloth or compress.

Do NOT:

• Use ice or ice water — it can further damage the skin tissue and worsen the injury.
• Apply butter, toothpaste, oil, or home remedies — they trap heat and increase infection risk.

Step 3: Remove Tight Items Carefully

• Gently remove rings, watches, belts, or tight clothing around the burned area before it swells.
• If clothing is stuck to the skin, do not pull it off — cut around it instead.

Step 4: Protect the Burned Area

• After cooling, cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cotton cloth.
• This prevents infection and friction.
• Avoid applying ointments or creams before medical evaluation (except prescribed burn gels).

Step 5: Manage Pain and Hydration

• For minor burns, over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce pain.
• Encourage the patient to sip water — burns can cause fluid loss and dehydration.

Step 6: Check for Shock (in Severe Burns)

If the victim shows signs of shock:

• Pale, clammy skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weakness or fainting

Lay them flat, raise their legs slightly, and keep them warm using a clean blanket until help arrives.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if the burn seems manageable, always seek medical care if:

• The burn is larger than 3 inches (7–8 cm) in diameter
• It’s located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
• There are deep burns or charred skin
• The person shows breathing difficulty (possible smoke inhalation)
• The victim is a child, elderly person, or pregnant woman
• The burn is caused by chemicals, electricity, or radiation

First Aid for Specific Types of Burns

1. Thermal Burns (Heat/Flame Burns)

• Cool with water immediately for 20 minutes.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing.
• Cover with clean, non-fluffy cloth or cling film.

2. Electrical Burns

• Turn off the power source first.
• Do not touch the person until power is disconnected.
• Check for entry and exit wounds — these burns can cause deep internal injury.
• Start CPR if the person is not breathing or has no pulse.

3. Chemical Burns

• Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
• Rinse the affected area with running water for at least 30 minutes.
• Avoid neutralizing chemicals (e.g., don’t apply acid to an alkali burn).
• Seek emergency medical help immediately.

4. Scalds (Hot Water, Steam, or Oil Burns)

• Run cool water for 15–20 minutes.
• Do not pop blisters — they protect against infection.
• Use burn dressing if available.

5. Sunburn

• Move indoors or to a shaded area.
• Apply aloe vera gel or cool compress.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid breaking blisters; if severe, consult a doctor.

What NOT to Do After a Burn

• Don’t apply toothpaste, butter, oil, or powder — they trap heat and cause infection.
• Don’t burst blisters — they are natural barriers to infection.
• Don’t use cotton wool directly — fibers can stick to the wound.
• Don’t ignore small burns that worsen — even minor infections can escalate.

Natural and Home Supportive Remedies (for Minor Burns Only)

For small, first-degree burns after cooling and cleaning:

• Aloe Vera Gel: Anti-inflammatory and soothing.
• Honey: Natural antibacterial agent that promotes healing (use only on minor burns).
• Coconut Oil (once healed): Moisturizes and reduces scar formation.
• Turmeric Paste: Natural antiseptic (use cautiously on closed skin, not open wounds).

Always consult a healthcare professional before applying any natural remedy to ensure safety and suitability.

Prevention Is the Best First Aid

• Keep hot liquids and appliances out of children’s reach.
• Use protective gloves in the kitchen and while handling chemicals.
• Check water temperature before bathing children.
• Install smoke alarms and keep a fire extinguisher at home.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets.

Burns can be painful and frightening, but prompt and proper first aid can make a life-saving difference.
Cooling the burn, keeping it clean, and protecting it until professional help arrives are the most vital steps.

“In burn injuries, the first few minutes define the next few months of recovery.”

So, stay calm, act quickly, and always keep basic first-aid knowledge at hand — because being prepared is the first step toward saving a life.

References :
1. WHO, Burns fact Sheet
2. Burns and scalds.
3. Prevention & Management of Injuries