What are the first aid measures for burn patients?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, first aid measures for burn patients mainly include removing the person from the heat source, rinsing the affected area with cool water, removing hot or contaminated clothing, covering the wound, and seeking medical attention promptly. If a burn occurs, proper first aid should be administered immediately to prevent the injury from worsening. During first aid and subsequent care, avoid applying toothpaste, soy sauce, ointments, or similar substances to the burn wound, as these may interfere with the doctor's assessment of the injury.

Generally, first aid measures for burn patients mainly include removing the source of heat, rinsing with cold water, removing contaminated clothing, covering the wound, and seeking medical attention promptly. If a burn occurs, proper first aid should be administered immediately to prevent worsening of the injury. Specific steps are as follows:

1. Remove from heat source

First, move the patient away from the source of the burn, such as flames, hot water, or high-temperature objects, to prevent continued exposure that could expand the burn area or deepen the injury. If clothing is on fire, instruct the patient to stop, drop, and roll on the ground to extinguish the flames. Do not run, as this may cause the fire to spread.

2. Rinse with cold water

Flush the burned area with cool running water for 15–20 minutes. Cold water rapidly removes residual heat, lowers skin temperature, reduces damage to deeper tissues, alleviates pain, and helps minimize blister formation.

3. Remove heated clothing

If clothing near the burned area is not stuck to the skin, gently remove it to prevent retained heat from continuing to damage the skin. However, if clothing adheres to the wound, do not forcibly peel it off, as this may tear the skin and worsen the injury. Leave the adhered portion in place and allow medical professionals to handle it after hospital arrival.

4. Cover the wound

Cover the burn wound gently with clean, sterile gauze or a soft, clean cloth. This prevents exposure to dust and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. Handle the area gently—do not press hard on the wound, to avoid further tissue damage.

5. Seek prompt medical care

If the burn covers a large area, is deep, or affects sensitive areas such as the face, eyes, joints of limbs, or genital region, the patient should be taken immediately to the burn unit of a正规 hospital to avoid missing the optimal window for treatment.

During first aid and subsequent care, avoid applying toothpaste, soy sauce, ointments, or other substances to the burn wound, as these may interfere with medical assessment and increase the risk of infection. Monitor the patient closely; if they feel thirsty, offer small amounts of lightly salted water to maintain hydration, but avoid large quantities of plain water to prevent water intoxication. During transport to the hospital, protect the wound carefully to avoid secondary injury from jostling or friction.

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What medication should be used for scald burns from boiling water?

Commonly used medications for scald burns include mupirocin ointment, moist burn ointment, recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel, ibuprofen tablets, and loratadine tablets. The wound should be cleaned before applying any medication, and the choice of drug should be made according to the severity of the burn and symptoms, following medical advice. Seek prompt medical attention if the burn covers a large area, is deep, or is accompanied by fever. Mupirocin ointment: suitable for superficial burns with risk of infection.

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In which diseases is septic shock commonly seen?

Common diseases associated with septic shock generally include severe pneumonia, acute suppurative cholangitis, acute pyelonephritis, intra-abdominal infections, and extensive burns complicated by infection. Pulmonary infections, when severe, are particularly prone to trigger septic shock. Pathogens invading the lungs cause inflammatory spread, allowing large amounts of toxins to enter the bloodstream. This activates the body's immune response, disrupts vascular tone regulation, and subsequently induces septic shock.