How to Treat a Burn When Unable to Bandage

A burn can come from exposure to heat, electricity, or chemicals that fall on the far ends of the pH scale. A burn injury can range from mild to life-threatening. Regardless of the severity of a burn injury, you must perform first aid procedures to prevent complications. First aid for a burn injury ordinarily includes bandaging it. However, if you have no bandaging materials on hand you must do what you can to protect the burn injury from further damage and irritation.

Instructions

• 1

  Move away from the source of the burn. As simple as it sounds, many people are so startled by the burn injury that they fail to do this. In the case of chemical burns, you should also remove any clothing or jewelry that may have the chemical substance on it because it can continue to burn you.

• 2

  Flush the burn injury thoroughly with cool running water to alleviate the burning sensation. Continue to run water over the burn injury for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Flushing the burn injury will also remove any dirt or foreign substances from the burn wound and help prevent infections.

• 3

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Even mild burns can be painful, depending on the location.

• 4

  Protect your burn wound from irritants and further damage. Keep your burn wound away from smoke, water or dirt. Do not allow anyone to breathe, blow or cough on it. If any irritants get inside the burn wound, flush it again with water.

• 5

  Seek medical attention immediately. If you are unable to bandage your burn injury, regardless of the size or location, you must have it professionally assessed and treated.