What To Do When Burned

If you do get burned, here's what to do, according to Philip Fidler, MD, director of the Dr. Andrew J. and Henrietta Panettieri Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital:

Get medical help if:

• Burn is second-degree
• Burn covers more than 5% of your body (even if it is only a first-degree burn)
• Stop the heat immediately. The faster you cool the burn, the less severe the injury. Flushing with cool water is best, but if necessary, use a cold non-alcoholic beverage. Don't use ice, and don't use salt water.
• Remove clothing, rings, belts, shoes, before swelling occurs.
• For chemical burns, flush the area for 20 minutes with cool water.
• Cover the burn with a sterile dressing or band aid.
• Elevate the burned limb to relieve swelling and soreness.
• Loss of body heat is a concern with burns covering a large area. Cover the injured person with a dry sheet for warmth.

Here's what NOT to do:

• Do not apply butter, grease, or ointment.
• Do not break blisters.
• Do not remove clothing that sticks to burn. Cut clothing away if necessary.
• Burn Pain Management