While all burns are preventable, all ages of individuals are susceptible to serious burns—and serious burns can happen in even the most casual of settings.
Burns that need immediate medical attention include burns involving large areas of a person’s body; burns of the face, hands or feet; electrical current injuries; or any burn with other injuries, or with associated breathing problems.
- Extinguish the fire and make sure all clothing is extinguished; remove any clothing that has been burned.
- Call the Fire Department or Paramedic for large burns.
- Cool burns less than the size of an arm with cool water (never use ice or any ointments/creams) for ten minutes.
In serious burn cases, it is important that you do not put anything on the burned area. Try to keep yourself or the patient calm, comfortable, and warm until medical attention arrives.
When in question as to the severity of a burn, call your family physician, go to an emergency department, or call The Oregon Clinic – Surgical & Burn Specialists.
If you have any questions, please call The Oregon Clinic – Surgical & Burn Specialists: (503) 288-7535.