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Home » Consumer Information » Occupational Safety » Firefighters

Burns

A burn is body tissue that has been damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. Approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported each year, 50% of which could have been prevented. The most common causes of burns are scalds from hot liquids and steam, building fires and flammable liquids and gases. Burns can cause swelling, blistering, shock and even death and can lead to infection because they destroy the skin's protective barrier, leaving exposed flesh.

Burn types include:

  • First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn and involve minimal tissue damage to the skin's surface (epidermis). Symptoms of a first-degree burn are pain, redness and swelling. Sunburn is a common type of first-degree burn.
  • Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the layer of skin below it (dermis), causing redness, pain, swelling, and blisters. Second-degree burns are deep enough to affect sweat glands and hair follicles and are considered severe burns. If they are improperly treated, swelling and decreased blood flow can cause the burn to worsen and become a third-degree burn.
  • Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis and result in extensive scarring. Third-degree burns are the most serious and potentially fatal, and recovery is slow and painful due to the amount of damaged skin tissue.

First-degree burns usually don't require medical treatment and heal with time. If the skin is not broken, first-degree burns should be soaked in cool water to reduce pain and swelling. However if the burn took place in a cold environment, water should not be applied. Once the burn has soaked for several minutes, cover it with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. Avoid applying pressure to the burn and protect it from friction. Over-the-counter oral or topical medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

In the event of severe burns, second and third degree, ensure that the victim is no longer in contact with burning or smoldering materials, putting out flaming clothing, but not removing the burnt clothing as fabric can fuse to the burned skin. If the victim is not breathing or has a blocked airway, CPR must be performed immediately.

Once the victim is breathing, cover the burn with a cool, moist sterile bandage or clean cloth. A bed sheet is best for big burns, and towels or blankets should not be used. Do not apply salves, ointments, butter, oil, ice, cream, or adhesive bandages as application might cause blisters to break. Burned fingers and toes should be separated with sterile, non-adhesive dressings. The burned area should be elevated and protected from pressure or friction.

Never immerse a severe burn in cold water as it can cause shock. To prevent shock, the victim should be laid flat with their legs elevated twelve inches and covered with a coat or blanket. Vital signs must be monitored and contamination of the burn avoided. Blisters and burned flesh should not be disturbed, and a pillow should not be placed under a victim's head if there is an airway burn.