stopping the burning process

Last reviewed 10/2022

Stopping the mechanism of burning is important from a pathophysiological perspective as it reduces tissue damage and the clinical extent of the burn. All jewellery must be removed to prevent it acting as a tourniquet.

Stopping burning depends on the mechanism of the burn:

• flame burns:
• extinguish flame with fire extinguisher or rolling the patient on the ground
• remove burned clothing; this may require cutting around adherent clothes - do not try to forcibly pull off
• scald burns: remove clothing
• chemicals: remove clothing ensuring that no contact is made with clinician's skin
• electrical burns: if possible, switch off power source