First Aid for Burns

For minor burns:
- Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn. Other sources say ten to fifteen minutes, or until the burned area is back to a normal skin temperature.
- Cover the burn with a dressing
- Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.


For major burns, call for emergency medical assistance. Until an ambulance arrives, follow these steps:
1. Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smouldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse severe large burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.
4. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels. If the burn is greater than 10% of the total body surface area, a dry dressing may be more appropriate. Only use a wet dressing if the patient’s core body temperature can be maintained.