Stopping the burning process
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
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