• Remove rings, belts, shoes and tight clothing before swelling occurs.
• If clothing is stuck to the burn, do not remove. Carefully cut around the stuck fabric to remove it.
• Burns on the face, hands and feet should always be considered serious and should receive prompt medical attention.

Thermal burns

Thermal burns are caused by contact with open flames, hot liquids, hot surfaces and other sources of high heat.

1. Stop the burning by removing the victim from the heat source.
2. Cool the burn with cold water.
3. Check for breathing. Stop any bleeding.
4. Cover the burn with a sterile pad or clean sheet. Do not apply oils, sprays or ointments to a serious thermal burn.
5. Maintain body temperature and the take victim to the nearest medical facility.

Chemical burns

Chemical burns are common in industrial settings but can occur in the home when coming in contact with simple cleaning solutions, paint strippers and lawn or garden chemicals.

1. Flush skin with water for at least 20 minutes. In cases involving some powdered or dry chemicals, it may not be appropriate to flush with water. If a dry chemical is involved, carefully brush the chemical off the skin and check the package or package insert for emergency information.
2. Remove contaminated clothing, but avoid spreading the chemical to unaffected areas.
3. If the victim's eyes are involved, flush the eyes continuously with water until medical help is obtained.
4. Check for breathing. Stop any bleeding.
5. Cover the burn with a sterile pad or clean sheet.
6. Maintain body temperature and the take victim to the nearest medical facility.

Electrical burns

Coming in contact with an electrical source such as a power line, malfunctioning household appliance or lightning can cause electrical burns.

1. Pull the plug at the wall or shut off the current. Do not touch the victim while he or she is in contact with electricity.
2. Check for breathing. Stop any bleeding.
3. Cover the burn with a sterile pad or clean sheet.
4. Maintain body temperature and the take victim to the nearest medical facility. All electrical injuries should receive medical attention.