What to do in an emergency

If you or a loved one has experienced a burn, the most important thing to do is not to panic.

1. Assess the burn. Is it large or small? Is it blistering? Are you in terrible pain?
2. If the burn is small, you should rinse the burn in cool water. If the burn is large, you should be evaluated by a burn care specialist at The Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Some general rules for burn care:

• Small burns may be rinsed in cool water to decrease the pain, but large burns submerged in cool water can cause hypothermia (low body temperature).
• Remove rings, jewelry or tight clothing before swelling develops.
• Do not burst blisters or attempt to remove blisters.
• Cover the burn area with a clean or sterile dry cloth or bandage.
• All second and third degree burns to the face, hands, or feet, or burns caused by electricity or chemicals should be evaluated at The Burn Center.
• All burns covering a large body surface area are an emergency and should be transported to The Burn Center.