MINOR BURNS

A burn is tissue damage that results from scalding, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, contact with flames, chemicals or electricity, or smoke inhalation.

IS IT A MAJOR OR MINOR BURN?

Call 911 or seek immediate care for Major Burns, which:

Are deep
Cause the skin to be dry and leathery
May appear charred or have the patches of white, brown or black
Are larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter or cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint.

TREATING MAJOR BURNS

Third-Degree Burns (full thickness burns) go through the dermis and affect deeper tissues.

They result in white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.

Protect the burned parson from further harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the person you’re helping is not in contact with the source of the burn. For electrical burns, make sure the power source is off before you approach the person.
Make certain that the person burned is breathing. If needed, begin rescue breathing is you know how.
Remove jewelry, belt and other restrictive items, especially from around burned areas and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, most bandage or a clean cloth.
Don’t immerse large severe burns in water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia).
Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound about heart level if possible.
Watch for signs of shock. signs and symptoms include fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a notably shallow fashion.