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DRAFT — NOT FOR PUBLIC EMERGENCY USE
Draft content aligned with ILCOR/AHA resuscitation guidelines, IFRC/Red Cross first aid guidance, WHO emergency care principles, and NFPA fire safety standards. Requires expert review before publication.
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If someone needs immediate help with cool the burn, use emergency mode.
Do this nowCool the Burn
Quick cooling within the first minutes improves outcomes for thermal burns. Wrong remedies — ice, butter, toothpaste — can cause further injury or infection.
Follow these in order when you need this skill.
Move away from fire, hot liquid, steam, or hot objects. If clothing is not stuck to skin, remove it carefully. Stop the burning process first.
Place the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 20 minutes if possible. If no tap is available, use any clean cool water. For large burns, cool for at least 20 minutes while calling for help.
Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing near the burn before swelling starts.
After cooling, cover with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or sterile non-adherent dressing. Do not use cotton wool that sticks.
Call emergency services for burns on face, hands, joints, genitals, large areas, deep burns, chemical or electrical burns, or burns in children and older adults.
Burns lose body heat. Cover unburned areas with a blanket to prevent chilling, especially in large burns.
Things that can make the situation worse
Identify three burn hazards in your kitchen. Discuss with family: cool water for 20 minutes, cover loosely, call for help for serious burns.
Question 1
What is the best immediate treatment for a thermal burn?
Answer: Cool with running water for 20 minutes. Cool running water stops the burning process. Ice causes further tissue damage; home remedies increase infection risk.
Question 2
When should you call emergency services for a burn?
Answer: For burns on face, large areas, or chemical/electrical burns. Serious burns need professional care. Face, hands, large areas, and chemical or electrical burns require emergency assessment.
Practice this skill for these emergency situations.
More skills in Burns & heat.