Survival guides · First Aid & Health

Treat a Burn

ACT NOWAny burn — cool it with water first, for a full 20 minutes.

1. How bad is it?

   • First-degree: red, painful, no blisters — like sunburn.
   • Second-degree: red, blistered, very painful, swollen.
   • Third-degree: white, brown or charred; may be numb. Emergency.
   • Bigger than 3 inches, or on the face, hands, feet, groin or a joint? Needs a doctor.

2. Cool it — 20 minutes

   • Cool running water for a full 20 minutes. Not ice-cold.
   • Still worth doing up to 3 hours later.
   • No ice, butter, oil or toothpaste.
   • Keep the rest of them warm — children and big burns lose heat fast.
   • Take off rings, watches and tight clothing before it swells.
   • Don't pop blisters.
   Why

   Cooling is the single most important step. There's no added benefit past 20 minutes.

3. Cover it loosely

   • Non-stick sterile dressing or clean cloth — loose.
   • First-degree: aloe can soothe it.
   • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. Keep it clean and dry.

4. Get emergency care for…

   • 911 if there's service; otherwise get them to medical care.
   • No signal at all? Dial 911 anyway — iPhone 14 and newer offer to text 911 by satellite. Get outside, clear view of the sky.
   • Any third-degree burn, or a burn over a large area.
   • Chemical burn: flush with lots of water, at least 20 minutes.
   • Electrical burn: make sure they're off the power before you touch them — there may be injuries you can't see.

Sources: American Red Cross Burn Treatment Guidelines · National Library of Medicine / MedlinePlus

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.