How to Treat Severe Burns: Immediate Steps Before the ER

Prestige ER Blog How to Treat Severe Burns: Immediate Steps Before the ER

Have you suffered a burn and aren’t sure if it requires emergency care?

Knowing what to do for severe burns and how to safely manage superficial burns at home can help reduce pain, prevent complications, and guide you to the right level of care.

Understanding Severe Burns

Types of Burns: First, Second, and Third Degree

First-degree burns are the mildest, affecting only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). They usually heal at home with basic care.
Second-degree burns extend into the dermis (the layer directly beneath the epidermis), often causing blisters and significant pain. A medical professional should evaluate these burns, as they take longer to heal and may leave scars.
Third-degree burns are the most severe. They damage all skin layers, including the fatty layer beneath the skin, and always require emergency treatment.

How to Tell if a Burn is Serious

Here are the signs of a major burn to watch for:

Burns that are larger than three inches or cover the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints.
Blistering, deep charring, or white/blackened skin.
Severe pain or numbness.
Red streaks, swelling, or pus, indicating an infection.
Burns caused by chemicals, electricity, or fire.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn, go to the ER for burn treatment and to avoid further complications, like infection.

How to Handle Severe Burns: First Aid Tips

What to Do Immediately After a Burn Injury

Do:

Move away from the burn source (e.g., put out flames, turn off electricity, and move away from chemicals) to prevent reinjury.
Gently remove loose clothing, jewelry, or tight items from the burned area. Do not attempt to peel off stuck clothing.
Cool the burn with tepid water for 10-20 minutes. Gently rinse away debris but avoid scrubbing.
Loosely cover the area with a clean, non-stick dressing to reduce infection risk.
Elevate the affected area above the heart, if possible, to reduce swelling.
Stay warm and hydrated while awaiting burn injury emergency care.
Over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may be used if the patient is conscious and alert.
Monitor breathing, especially for facial burns or inhalation injuries, as airway swelling is the biggest danger.

If the burn is large, deep, or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or airways, call 911.

Do Not:

Touch or soak the burn.
Pop blisters.
Apply ice, butter, oils, ointments, creams, or other home remedies, as these can trap heat, worsen tissue damage, and complicate ER care.
Remove clothing stuck to the burn.

When to Go to the Emergency Room for Burns

Not all burns require emergency room treatment, but it’s important to recognize the warning signs that indicate urgent care is needed. Go to the ER for burns when:

Your burn is large, deep, or involves the face, hands, feet, major joints, genitals, or airway.
You believe you have a third-degree burn.
Your burn was caused by chemicals, electricity, or fire.
You have severe pain, numbness, or signs of infection.
You are wheezing or have any difficulty breathing.
You have facial swelling.

Seeking emergency burn injury treatment to prevent infection, dehydration, hypothermia, or permanent tissue or nerve damage is critical.

What to Expect in the ER for Severe Burns

When you arrive at Prestige ER, our medical team will provide emergency burn treatment tailored to the size and severity of your injury. Here is what to expect:

Rapid wound assessment and evaluation.
Thorough wound cleaning and sterilization.
Pain medication.
Tetanus vaccination (a common ER standard).
Topical treatments and sterile dressings.
IV fluids (for large burns or signs of hypothermia).
Large or severe burns may also require skin grafts or surgical intervention.

Prompt burn care in an emergency room setting ensures faster healing, reduces complications, and prepares you for safe, post-ER pain management, infection prevention, and recovery.

Post-ER Burn Care and Recovery

Pain Management and Infection Prevention

Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing. Replace daily or if it becomes wet or soiled.
Apply antibiotic ointment or burn creams 1-2 times daily to reduce infection risk.
Keep the area elevated when possible to minimize swelling.

Follow-Up Treatment and Wound Care

Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Gently clean the burn 1-2 times daily with mild soap and water.
Continue dressing changes and topical treatments as prescribed.

Long-Term Monitoring and Scarring

Watch for signs of delayed healing, infection, or abnormal scarring.
Use moisturizers as directed to help reduce scarring.
Seek physical therapy if the burn has impacted mobility.

What to Do After a Burn Injury

Maintain good hygiene and keep the healed skin protected from sun and friction.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support healing.
Contact your primary healthcare provider if you notice persistent pain, redness, swelling, or other signs of infection.

Preventing Severe Burns at Home and Work

Top Safety Tips to Avoid Burn Injuries

Keep hot liquids and foods out of reach of children and pets.
Use oven mitts, potholders, and protective clothing in the kitchen.
Perform regular fire safety checks (e.g., check smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Never leave open flames unattended.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals and electrical equipment.
Supervise children around heat sources (e.g., stoves, ovens, and fireplaces).