What is electrical shock and burns?

Using immediate first aid for burns

• First, stop the burning to prevent a more severe burn.

  Heat burns (thermal burns).

  Smother any flames by covering them with a blanket or water. If your clothing catches fire, don't run. Stop, drop, and roll on the ground to smother the flames.

  Cold temperature burns.

  Try to warm the areas. Small areas of your body (ears, face, nose, fingers, toes) that are really cold or frozen can be warmed by blowing warm air on them, tucking them inside your clothing, or putting them in warm water. Don't rub or massage frozen skin.

  Liquid scald burns (thermal burns).

  Run cool tap water over the burn for 10 to 20 minutes. Don't use ice.

  Electrical burns.

  After the person has been separated from the electrical source, check for breathing and a heartbeat. If the person isn't breathing or doesn't have a heartbeat, call 911.

  Chemical burns.

  When a chemical burn occurs, find out what chemical caused the burn. Call your local Poison Control Center or the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) for more information about how to treat the burn. Natural foods such as chili peppers, which contain a substance that irritates the skin, can cause a burning sensation.

  Tar or hot plastic burns.

  Run cold water over the hot tar or hot plastic right away. It will cool the tar or plastic.

• Next, look for other injuries. The burn may not be the only injury.
• Remove any jewelry or clothing at the site of the burn.

  If clothing is stuck to the burn, don't remove it. Carefully cut around the stuck fabric to remove loose fabric. Remove all jewelry, because it may be hard to remove it later if swelling occurs.

• Prepare to be seen by a doctor.

  If you are going to see your doctor soon:

  • Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Don't put any salve or medicine on the burned area, so your doctor can properly assess your burn.
  • Don't put ice on the burned area. It doesn't help, and it can damage the skin tissue.