Burns Caused by Heat

Immediately cool the burn in cold, running water and continue at least until pain is relieved. Call for EMS or seek medical attention if necessary. Always activate EMS for burns of a large area, or for burns affecting the face, hands or genitals.

Heat burns do’s & don’ts:

1 Do not use ice, as this may freeze the skin and cause more damage.

2 Do not pop burn blisters.

3 Do loosely cover blisters with a sterile dressing.


Burns Caused by Electricity

Electrical burns are usually internal, and only a small outside burn may mask a large area of damage inside the victim.

Actions for electrical burns:

1 Call 9-1-1 to activate EMS.

2 Consider your own safety first! Do not approach or touch the victim until the power has been turned off.

3 Once the power is off, assess the victim, who may need CPR.


If you see someone spill chemicals on themselves:

1 Call 9-1-1 to activate EMS.

2 Brush powdered chemicals off the skin with a gloved hand or piece of cloth.

3 Remove contaminated clothing, being careful not to contaminate yourself in the process.

4 Provide EMS with any information you have on the chemical that caused the burn.


Source: HSA

