Burns and scalds

If clothing on fire:
- by far the best way to put out a fire on a person is to use a dry powder fire extinguisher at once;
- if a dry powder extinguisher is not available, then lay the person down and smother the flames by wrapping him in any available material (not made of man-made fibre), or throw buckets of water over him, or use a hose;
- make sure all smouldering clothing is extinguished.
 
NOTE: The powder from a fire extinguisher will not cause much, if any, eye damage. Most people shut their eyes tightly if sprayed with powder. Any powder which gets in the eye should be washed out immediately after the fire has been extinguished and while cooling is being undertaken.

Heat burns and scalds
 
- all heat burns should be cooled as quickly as possible with running cold water (sea or fresh)
for at least ten minutes, or by immersing in cold water and keeping the injured part in motion; cooling of extensive burns (>15%) should be avoided as hypothermia will result.
- if it is not possible to cool the burn on the spot, the casualty should be taken to where cooling can be carried out;
- try to remove clothing gently but do not tear off any which adheres to the skin;
- then cover the burned areas with a dry, non-fluffy, dressing which is larger than the burns and bandage in place;

Electrical burns and electrocution
 
- make sure you do not become the next casualty when approaching any person who is in contact with electricity:
- if possible, switch off the current;
- otherwise, insulate yourself. Remove your watch and rings, wear rubber boots or stand on an insulating mat, thick DRY newspaper or wood;
- alternatively, pull the casualty from the source of supply with an insulated flex or push him away with a strong non-conductor, such as a piece of DRY wood;
- check immediately for breathing and heartbeat:
     • if not breathing, give artificial respiration;
     • if heart is stopped, give chest compression and artificial respiration;
- send for help;
- when the casualty is breathing, cool any burned areas and apply a clean, dry, non-fluffy covering to the burned area.