This page will help you prepare and act correctly to provide first aid for burns.
When do burns occur?
A burn happens when heat, chemicals, sunlight, electricity, or radiation damages skin tissues.
Most burns happen unexpectedly. There are different degrees of burns. A healthcare provider determines the severity (degree) of the burn based on the depth of the burn and the amount of skin affected. Burns can be painful. If left untreated, a burn can lead to infection.
What are the symptoms of burn injuries?
Burn symptoms vary depending on the severity or degree of the burn.
- First-degree burns affect the upper layer of the skin, like sunburns. Symptoms may include:
- Redness of the affected skin.
- Pain when touching the area.
- Slight swelling of the skin.
- Second-degree burn symptoms: These burns affect the first two layers of skin.
- Skin discoloration to brown or dark red.
- Redness and swelling.
- Pain in the affected area.
- Appearance of fluid-filled blisters.
- The skin in the affected area peels easily.
- Third-degree burn symptoms: These involve complete burning and damage to the skin tissues.
- Damage or loss of skin layers.
- No pain when touching the area.
- Dry and tough skin.
- Charred skin or the appearance of white, brown, or black spots.
How to handle burns?
Handling burns depends on the type or degree of the burn.
Handling first-degree burns:
- Apply cool, damp compresses or immerse the area in cool, fresh water. Continue until the pain subsides.
- Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick bandage or a clean cloth.
- Do not use ointments on the affected area as they may cause infection.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce and alleviate the pain.
- Generally, first-degree burns heal without further treatment. However, if a first-degree burn covers a large area of the body or if the affected person is an infant or an elderly individual, seek medical attention.
Handling second-degree burns:
- Immerse the burned area in cool, fresh water or apply cool compresses. Continue for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Dry the burned area with a clean cloth and cover it with sterile gauze.
- Avoid touching any blisters or wounds.
- Do not apply ointments on the burns as they may cause infection.
- Elevate burned arms or legs.
- Take steps to prevent shock: Lay the victim flat on the ground, raise the feet slightly (approximately 30 cm), and cover them with a coat or blanket.
- Do not put the victim in a shock position if there is a suspected head, neck, back, or leg injury, or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
- Seek further medical care and do not attempt to treat severe burns unless you are a trained healthcare practitioner in a facility equipped to handle burns.
Handling third-degree burns
- Gently cover the burned area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. (Do not use materials that may leave lint on the burn.)
- Do not apply ointments to the burns as they may cause infection.
- Take steps to prevent shock: Lay the victim flat on the ground, raise the feet slightly (approximately 30 cm).
- If the person’s face is burned, have them sit up and watch for breathing difficulties.
- Elevate the burned area above the victim's head when possible. Keep the person warm and in a comfortable position, and monitor for signs of shock.
- Do not put a pillow under the victim's head if they are lying down and there are airway burns, as this can block the airway.
- Immediately seek medical care. Do not attempt to treat severe burns unless you are a trained healthcare practitioner in a facility equipped to handle burns.
Emergency numbers in Gulf countries:
- Oman: 9999.
- Saudi Arabia: 997.
- Kuwait: 112.
- Qatar: 999.
- UAE: 998.
- Bahrain: 999.
- Yemen: 195.
