First Aid: How to Treat a Burn Injury in Minnesota

Key Takeaways

• Some burns can be treated at home through basic first aid, while others require immediate medical attention.
• For minor burns, you should cool the area, apply aloe vera or petroleum jelly, and cover the injury with a loose bandage.
• If a burn is larger than three inches, located on a sensitive area, or qualifies as a

Types of Burns

Burn injuries are classified into three types: first, second, and third-degree. Chemical and electrical burns can also be classified in a category of their own. Understanding the differences between these types of burns will help you determine the appropriate first aid response – and whether medical care is needed.

First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)

First-degree burns are the least severe, affecting only the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). While painful, they generally heal on their own without leaving scars.

• Symptoms: Redness, minor inflammation, and pain. The skin may feel warm to the touch, but no blisters will form.
• Common causes: Brief contact with hot surfaces, mild sunburns, and minor scalds from hot water​.

Second-Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns)

Second-degree burns are more serious because they extend beyond the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and into the second layer (dermis). These burns often require medical attention, especially if they cover a large area.

• Symptoms: Red, swollen skin with blisters. The pain is more intense than with first-degree burns, and the affected area may ooze​.
• Common causes: Contact with hot liquids or objects, severe sunburns, or flash burns from explosions​.

Third-Degree Burns (Full-Thickness Burns)

Third-degree burns are the most severe and can be life-threatening. They affect all layers of the skin and may extend into the fat, muscle, and even bone. Nerve damage may result.

• Symptoms: The skin may appear white, charred, leathery, or waxy. Because of the nerve damage, these burns may not be painful initially​.
• Common causes: Exposure to flames, chemicals, or high-voltage electricity. Prolonged contact with hot objects can also cause third-degree burns​.

Chemical and Electrical Burns

Chemical and electrical burns are unique cases that don't fit neatly into the standard classification of first-, second-, or third-degree burns but can cause deep tissue damage on their own.

• Chemical burns: These burns are caused by strong acids, alkalis, or other harsh substances. They require immediate flushing with water for at least 15-20 minutes, followed by medical attention​.
• Electrical burns: These burns damage both external and internal tissues and are more dangerous than they may initially appear. Always seek emergency care for electrical burns, even if the injury seems minor​.

First Aid for Burn Injuries

Knowing how to respond appropriately to burn injuries can make all the difference. While some burns can be managed at home, others require immediate medical attention. Below are the essential steps to take when providing first aid for different types of burns.

First Aid for Minor Burns (First-degree and Small Second-degree Burns)

Minor burns usually affect only the outer layers of the skin and can often be treated at home using basic first aid principles. However, immediate action is still crucial to minimize damage and relieve pain.

1. Cool the Burn

Hold the burn injury under cool running water for 10–20 minutes or until the pain subsides. This helps stop the burning process and reduces swelling. The water should be cool, not cold – only slightly lower than room temperature. Do not put ice on the burn, which can cause further damage.

If running water isn’t an option, apply a cool, damp cloth to the burn instead.

2. Remove Tight Jewelry or Clothing

Gently remove any rings, belts, or tight clothing from around the burned area before it swells. Doing this early can prevent circulation problems as the skin becomes inflamed. However, do not remove anything that is stuck to the burn. That would do more harm than good.

3. Moisturize the Skin

Once the burn has cooled, apply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion, such as aloe vera or petroleum jelly, to the burn. This will help prevent the skin from drying out and relieve itching or discomfort. Do not use oils, creams, or butter. These greasy substances can trap heat inside the burn, making matters worse in the long run.

If there is blistering, do not break the blister, as doing so could lead to infection. If the blister does break, clean it with mild soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment.

4. Bandage the Burn

Loosely cover the burn area with a clean, nonstick bandage or gauze. This will help protect it from infection and further irritation. Do not put much pressure on the wound or pull the bandage tight.

5. Take a Pain Reliever (If Necessary)

If the burn still hurts, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These can help manage the discomfort and reduce inflammation.

6. Protect the Injury

Until the burn is fully healed, avoid touching it or exposing it to heat. Keep the affected area out of direct sunlight until fully healed, as burns are particularly sensitive to UV rays​.

First Aid for Major Burns (Large Second-degree and All Third-degree Burns)

A major burn is a second-degree burn that covers a larger part of the body (more than a few inches) or any third-degree burn. Emergency care is always required for these types of burns. If you or someone else has suffered a significant burn, follow these steps:

1. Stop the Burning Process

If the person is still in contact with the source of the burn, remove them from the danger. For electrical burns, ensure the power source is turned off before approaching the injured person​.

2. Contact Emergency Services

Call 911 to request emergency transportation to a hospital. While there are first-aid steps you can take to minimize the damage, your number one priority should be getting expert medical care as quickly as possible.

3. Remove Jewelry and Clothing

Remove any clothing, belts, or jewelry from the injured area if it is safe. However, only remove loose items. If anything is stuck to the injury, do not attempt to remove it, as this can cause further tissue damage.

4. Bandage the Burn

Use a clean, dry cloth, bandage, or sterile gauze to cover the burn loosely. This helps prevent infection and minimizes exposure to air, which can increase pain​.

Raise the burned area.

5. Elevate the Injured Area

If possible, elevate the affected body part. Try to keep the burn above the level of the heart, whether this means standing, sitting, or lying down with pillows to prop up a limb. This will help reduce swelling and pain.

6. Watch for Shock

Severe burns can cause the person to go into shock. Symptoms of shock include:

• Pale, clammy skin
• Rapid pulse
• Shallow breathing

If you suspect you may be in shock, understand that your decision-making abilities may be impaired. Trust the advice of medical professionals. If you suspect someone else is in shock,  lay the person down with their legs elevated and cover them with a blanket to keep them warm.

7. Monitor Breathing

If the injured person shows signs of difficulty breathing or has inhaled smoke, they may need immediate assistance with their airway. If you are trained in CPR, be prepared to start rescue breathing​.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Burn

Recognizing when to seek professional help for a burn can prevent complications such as infection, scarring, or even life-threatening conditions. Here are the factors to consider.

• Large burns: If the burn covers a large area of the body, seek medical help immediately. Burns larger than 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) in diameter generally require professional care.
• Burns to sensitive body parts: Burns on specific parts of the body are more prone to infection and complications. Seek medical attention if the burn affects the face, hands, feet, major joints, or genitals.
• Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns should always be treated as a medical emergency. These burns affect all layers of the skin and may even penetrate deeper tissues like muscle or bone. Symptoms include white, charred, or leathery skin. The victim may not feel any pain due to nerve damage.
• Chemical or electrical Burns: Burns from chemical exposure or electrical sources pose unique risks. These burns can damage deeper tissues or internal organs, and their severity may not be immediately visible on the skin. Always seek medical care for chemical or electrical burns, even if they seem minor.
• Infection: If a burn starts showing signs of infection, such as increased redness, oozing pus, a foul odor, or a fever, seek medical attention.
• Signs of shock: Shock is a life-threatening condition that can accompany severe burns. Symptoms include clammy skin, weak or rapid pulse, shallow breathing, or confusion.
• Smoke inhalation: Burn injuries caused by fire may be accompanied by smoke inhalation, which can lead to respiratory issues. Seek immediate medical attention if the person has difficulty breathing, a hoarse voice, or soot around their nose or mouth.
• Age: Special care should be taken when burns affect children or elderly adults. Both are more vulnerable to serious complications, infection, and long-lasting symptoms.

Seeking Compensation for a Burn Injury

Burn injuries often lead to substantial medical expenses and long-term care needs. Under Minnesota law, burn victims are entitled to seek fair compensation for any injuries caused by another person’s negligence, such as:

• A workplace accident
• A defective product
• A car accident
• Unsafe conditions in someone’s home

Compensation for a burn injury can help you cover a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Physical Therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Property damage
• Reduced quality of life

A qualified Minnesota personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and receive the compensation you are owed. That way, you can focus on healing and returning to everyday life as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, burn injuries are all too common at home, at work, or at someone else’s home. These injuries could have been avoided if other parties had taken proper care to ensure your safety.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, SiebenCarey is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Founded in 1952, we are the only law firm in the state with a 70-year legacy of helping injury victims recover damages. By choosing SiebenCarey, you’ll benefit from:

• Decades of legal expertise
• A proven track record of successful settlements and trial verdicts
• Extensive resources to build a strong and compelling case
• A dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and investigators
• Our “Know Your Rights” promise of personal care, compassion, and unwavering support

We even offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide guidance. Contact us today to talk to one of our trusted Minnesota attorneys.