First Aid for Burns (Thermal, Chemical, Electrical)

Introduction

Burn injuries are among the most painful and potentially dangerous emergencies a person can experience. They occur suddenly—from spilling boiling water, touching hot metal, exposure to chemicals, or electric current—and can lead to serious tissue damage, infection, shock, and even death.

Understanding the types of burns, their degrees of severity, and how to respond quickly can significantly reduce complications and save lives. Non-professionals often underestimate the seriousness of burns or make mistakes that worsen the injury. This guide provides accurate, evidence-based steps for effective first aid in thermal, chemical, and electrical burns.

Basics: Understanding Burns

What Is a Burn?

A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. The damage may affect only the outer skin (epidermis) or penetrate deeper into underlying tissues such as muscles, nerves, and bones.

Causes of Burns

Type	Source	Example Situations	Key Hazards
Thermal	Flame, hot liquids, steam, hot surfaces	Cooking, campfires, industrial accidents	Tissue charring, infection risk
Chemical	Acids, alkalis, solvents, detergents	Cleaning agents, industrial spills	Deep tissue corrosion, delayed reaction
Electrical	Electric current, lightning	Faulty wiring, equipment contact	Internal damage, cardiac arrest
Radiation	UV rays, X-rays, sun exposure	Sunburn, radiation therapy	DNA damage, long-term effects
Friction	Abrasive surfaces	Motorcycle accidents, rope injuries	Surface abrasions, infection

Degrees of Burns

Burn severity is categorized by depth and tissue involvement.

Degree	Description	Appearance	Sensation	Healing Time
1st-degree (Superficial)	Affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).	Red, dry, no blisters.	Painful, tender.	3–6 days
2nd-degree (Partial thickness)	Extends into the dermis.	Red, blistered, moist.	Very painful.	2–3 weeks
3rd-degree (Full thickness)	Destroys all skin layers.	White, charred, leathery.	Numb (nerve damage).	Requires medical treatment
4th-degree	Extends into muscle and bone.	Charred, black, dry.	Painless.	Life-threatening, surgery needed

General Principles of First Aid for Burns

1. Ensure scene safety — Turn off the source of heat, electricity, or chemicals.

2. Stop the burning process — Remove the victim from danger immediately.

3. Cool the burn — Use cool (not cold) running water for 10–20 minutes.

4. Protect the wound — Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

5. Avoid contamination — Do not apply ointments, butter, or ice.

6. Monitor for shock — Keep the person calm and warm.

7. Seek medical help for severe burns, facial injuries, or breathing difficulty.

Step-by-Step: Thermal Burns

Step 1: Stop the Source

Extinguish flames using a blanket or by rolling the person on the ground. Do not remove stuck clothing immediately if it adheres to the skin.

Step 2: Cool the Burn

Run clean, cool water (15–25°C) over the burn for at least 10 minutes. This reduces pain, limits tissue damage, and lowers inflammation. Do not use ice—it can worsen injury.

Step 3: Remove Constrictive Items

Gently remove jewelry, belts, or tight clothing before swelling develops.

Step 4: Cover the Burn

Apply a sterile gauze or a clean cloth loosely over the area to prevent infection. Avoid adhesive dressings directly on the wound.

Step 5: Relieve Pain

Over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol) may be used if the person is conscious and not allergic.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Immediate medical care is necessary for burns that are:

• Larger than the size of the victim’s palm

• On the face, hands, genitals, or major joints

• Caused by electricity, chemicals, or explosions

Step-by-Step: Chemical Burns

Step 1: Ensure Safety

Protect yourself first—wear gloves and avoid contact with the substance. Remove contaminated clothing carefully.

Step 2: Rinse Immediately

Flush the affected area with large amounts of running water for at least 20–30 minutes. Use clean water only—do not neutralize with other chemicals.

Step 3: Remove Residue

If a dry chemical powder (e.g., lime, cement) is present, brush it off before rinsing.

Step 4: Eye Exposure

For eye burns, irrigate with water or saline for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Avoid rubbing.

Step 5: Seek Medical Help

All chemical burns require professional evaluation—even if symptoms seem minor.

Step-by-Step: Electrical Burns

Electrical burns may cause invisible internal injuries due to current traveling through the body.

Step 1: Cut the Power Source

Turn off the electricity before touching the victim. If not possible, use a non-conductive object (wood, plastic) to separate them from the source.

Step 2: Check Vital Signs

Assess breathing and pulse. If absent, begin CPR and call emergency services.

Step 3: Look for Entry and Exit Wounds

Typically, one mark where current entered and another where it exited. Cover both with sterile dressings.

Step 4: Treat for Shock

Lay the person down, elevate legs, and keep warm.

Step 5: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Electrical burns often cause deep tissue damage and heart rhythm disturbances even when the skin appears normal.

Quick Reference Table

Burn Type	First Step	Duration of Rinse	Key Precautions	Medical Attention Needed
Thermal	Cool under water	10–20 min	Do not use ice or ointment	If >1% body area
Chemical	Flush with water	20–30 min	Remove contaminated clothing	Always
Electrical	Disconnect source	N/A	Check for cardiac arrest	Always
Radiation	Move to shade	N/A	Apply soothing lotion	If blistering
Friction	Clean and dress	N/A	Prevent infection	If large area

What Not to Do

• ❌ Do not burst blisters.

• ❌ Do not apply butter, oil, toothpaste, or alcohol.

• ❌ Do not peel off stuck clothing.

• ❌ Do not immerse in ice or freezing water.

• ❌ Do not use home remedies (flour, egg whites, etc.).

Burn Surface Estimation (Rule of Nines)

Body Area	% of Total Body Surface
Head and Neck	9%
Each Arm	9%
Each Leg	18%
Front of Torso	18%
Back of Torso	18%
Perineum	1%

If more than 10% of the body surface is burned, or if the victim is a child or elderly person, seek medical assistance immediately.

Long-Term Care and Prevention

• Keep the burn clean and covered with sterile dressings.

• Change dressings daily or if wet.

• Hydrate well to support healing.

• Avoid sun exposure on healing skin.

• Seek vaccination (tetanus booster) if the wound is deep or contaminated.

Prevention Tips

1. Never leave open flames unattended.

2. Use protective gloves and eyewear when handling chemicals.

3. Keep electrical appliances away from water.

4. Check wiring regularly for damage.

5. Educate children about hot surfaces and devices.

FAQs

1. Should I apply ointment to a burn?
   Not immediately. Only apply antibiotic ointments after cooling and when skin is intact.

2. Is ice effective for burns?
   No. Ice causes vasoconstriction and deeper tissue damage.

3. What if clothing sticks to the burn?
   Do not pull—it may tear the tissue. Cut around it instead.

4. Can I use aloe vera?
   Yes, for minor 1st-degree burns after cooling. It soothes and hydrates skin.

5. Are sunburns real burns?
   Yes, they are radiation burns caused by UV exposure. Treat like 1st-degree burns.

6. How do I treat chemical burns from acid vs. alkali?
   Rinse both with water; do not neutralize. Alkali burns may need longer irrigation.

7. Should I pop burn blisters?
   Never. They protect underlying tissue from infection.

8. Can burns cause shock?
   Yes—especially large or deep burns. Monitor for pale skin, rapid pulse, or confusion.

9. How do I handle electrical burn victims safely?
   Ensure the current is off before touching them.

10. Is plastic wrap safe to cover a burn?
    Yes, in emergency situations, food-grade plastic wrap can be used as a temporary sterile cover.

11. When should I go to the hospital?
    Always for 2nd- or 3rd-degree burns, large areas, face, hands, or genitals.

12. Can burned skin get infected?
    Yes—look for redness, swelling, pus, or fever.

13. How do I clean a small burn?
    Cool, clean gently, apply antiseptic, and cover loosely.

14. What if chemicals get into eyes?
    Rinse with water for 15 minutes and seek urgent medical help.

15. Can electrical burns look minor?
    Yes—surface damage may be small, but internal injury severe.

16. How long does healing take?
    Minor burns heal in 3–14 days; severe ones may require grafts and months of recovery.

17. Can burns cause scarring?
    Deep burns often do; early medical care reduces risk.

18. What kind of water should I use?
    Clean, running tap water is best; avoid very cold or contaminated water.

19. Should I cover a burn after cooling?
    Yes—to protect against infection and reduce pain.

20. What’s the most important first step?
    Stop the burning process and cool the burn immediately.

Note

This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In case of serious burns, always seek emergency medical care.

Summary

Burns are medical emergencies that require calm, quick, and correct response. Knowing the difference between thermal, chemical, and electrical burns—and applying the right first aid technique—can save lives and prevent lifelong complications. Immediate cooling, protection from infection, and professional follow-up are the keys to effective burn management.