First Aid for Burns

Burns are the most common injury in fire performance. Knowing how to respond immediately can make the difference between a minor incident and a serious injury.

Types of burns

• First-degree (superficial) — redness, minor swelling, pain. Most common from brief contact with a hot prop. Heals in 3-7 days.
• Second-degree (partial thickness) — blistering, severe pain. Can occur from fuel transfer burns (fuel on skin igniting) or prolonged contact. Heals in 7-21 days.
• Third-degree (full thickness) — charred or white/waxy skin. Rare in flow arts but possible from clothing fires. Always requires emergency medical care.
• Flash burns — caused by ignition of fuel vapors or spilled fuel. Common with volatile fuels like white gas.

Immediate treatment

1. Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for at least 10-20 minutes. This is the single most important step.
2. Remove clothing and jewelry near the burn before swelling begins. If fabric is stuck to skin, cut around it — do not pull.
3. Cover with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage, loosely applied.
4. Pain relief — ibuprofen helps with pain and inflammation.

Never do

• Never apply butter, oil, toothpaste, or other home remedies
• Never pop blisters — the fluid protects damaged tissue
• Never use ice directly on a burn

Seek medical help for

• Burns larger than 8cm across
• Burns on face, hands, feet, genitals, or over joints
• Any suspected third-degree burn
• Burns that encircle a limb
• Signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, fever, pus)
• Smoke or fume inhalation