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Stopping the burning process

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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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