What are the basic first aid steps for a burn?

What are the basic first aid steps for a burn?

• A. Stop, Cool, Cover; remove from source, relieve pain with cool (not ice) water for at least 10 min, cover loosely with sterile dressing
• B. Break blisters
• C. Apply butter and wrap
• D. Ignore pain

Answer: (A)

For a burn, the priority is to stop the burning, cool the skin, and protect it. First, remove the person from the heat source to stop the damage. Then cool the burn by running cool water over it for at least 10 minutes to reduce pain and tissue damage; avoid ice, which can cause further injury. After cooling, cover the area loosely with a clean, sterile dressing to protect it from infection without pressing on it. Do not apply butter or other home remedies, and try not to pop any blisters that form. Seek medical help if the burn is large or involves the face, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or if it was caused by chemicals or electricity.