Skip to content

Severe Burns and Chemical Flushing First Aid

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

Burns are tissue injuries caused by thermal heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Severe burns cause rapid fluid loss, shock, and severe infection risk. Immediate emergency care minimizes permanent tissue damage and saves lives.

For major burns, chemical exposure to eyes or large skin areas, or burns involving the face, hands, feet, major joints, or groin, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Thermal Burns (Heat and Flame)

  1. Stop the Burning Process: Extinguish flames, remove the victim from heat sources, and drop to the ground and roll if clothing is ignited.
  2. Cool the Burn With Cool Water:
  3. Hold the burned area under cool running tap water for at least 10 to 20 minutes.
  4. Do not use ice, ice water, or freezing water, as extreme cold causes further tissue damage.
  5. Do Not Apply Ointments or Home Remedies: Never put butter, oils, toothpaste, or ointments on severe burns.
  6. Cover Loose and Dry: Cover the burned area loosely with clean, dry, sterile gauze dressings or a clean sheet.
  7. Do Not Break Blisters: Leave blisters intact to maintain natural protection against infection.

Chemical Burns and Flushing Procedures

  1. Protect Yourself First: Put on nitrile or protective gloves before helping the victim to prevent chemical exposure.
  2. Brush Off Dry Chemicals: If the chemical is a dry powder, carefully brush it off the skin before flushing with water.
  3. Flush With Copious Water:
  4. Immediately flush contaminated skin or eyes with gentle running water for at least 20 continuous minutes.
  5. For eye exposures, hold eyelids open gently while rinsing continuously under a shower or eye wash station.
  6. Remove Contaminated Clothing: Remove clothing, footwear, and jewelry contaminated with chemical residues while continuing water flushing.
  7. Identify the Chemical Container: Provide the chemical product name, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), or container label details to emergency responders.

Electrical Burns

  • Ensure the power source is shut off before touching an electrical burn victim.
  • Electrical burns often cause hidden internal tissue damage and cardiac rhythm disruptions. Seek emergency medical evaluation even if skin damage appears minimal.

Taking a certified first aid course through official health organizations equips you with essential skills to handle burn emergencies safely.