Most “fire-related injuries” are burns. In fact, approximately every 60 seconds someone in the U.S. sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment.*
The U.S. Fire Administration offers some general first aid for burns and scalds:
- Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for three to five minutes.
- Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
- Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.
* Source: American Burn Association. (2016). Burn incident and treatment in the United States: 2016 fact sheet. Chicago: American Burn Association.