A burn is a skin lesion caused by contact with heat (flames, hot liquid or a hot object), cold, chemical products, radiation or an electric current. The seriousness of a burn depends on its cause, area, depth, localization and the victim's age.
In the case of a minor burn, only the outer layer of skin is damaged. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain. A burn remains minor if blisters are smaller than the area of half the victim's palm.
Any burn is a wound and thus invites the possibility of infection; for that reason, it is important not to break blisters, which are vulnerable to infection. Furthermore, electrical burns generally cause serious internal lesions. Burns on the chest can also cause respiratory difficulties, as lungs may be affected.
Eliminate the source of the burn or move it away from the victim.
Cool the burn by holding it under cool running water for at least 5 minutes, which will stop the burn from spreading (in area and depth). Do not use ice-cold water to avoid hypothermia. If this is not practical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. If the burn is severe and large, do not immerse it in cold water because you could cause the victim to go into shock. Never put ice on a burn.
While you are cooling the burn, take off the victim's clothes (except if they stick to the skin) and remove any object that could restrict blood circulation (rings, watches, shoes, etc.) as the burnt member may swell.
If you are treating a minor burn,continue cooling with water until the pain subsides. Then, protect the burn with a sterile bandage and do not break blisters. If the burnt area becomes hot, swells or still hurts 24 hours later, seek medical help.
Lay the victim down, preferably on a clean sheet, warn emergency services and observe the victim's progress. If the victim suffers from respiratory difficulties, have him/her sit with the chest slightly reclined. While waiting for emergency teams to arrive, cover the wound with a clean and wet sheet; do not use cotton wool, which will stick to the wound.
In case of chemical contact with skin or clothes, rinse immediately with water until the emergency teams arrive and take off soaked clothes.
In case of chemical contact with the eye, rinse thoroughly taking care not to spill any liquid in the other eye.
In case of internal burn (ingestion), do not have the victim vomit and do not give him/her anything to drink; keep the product's packaging and call anti-poison services immediately.
Have the victim sit with the chest slightly reclined if you observe respiratory difficulties and warn emergency services.
