Extinguish the flame as soon as possible and remove the person from the area of ​​high temperatures. For example, let him roll on the ground or floor, knocking down the fire. 

Gently (and briefly!) run cool running water or saline onto your skin to reduce the temperature of the burn. 

IMPORTANT! This recommendation is relevant for minor burns. If the victim has large area burns, then extreme cooling can lead to hypothermia. (1)

If clothing is “stuck” to the body, it should not be torn off so as not to infect the wound. Clothes where they are not stuck can be trimmed carefully (trim the fabric around the edges of the stuck areas).

It is advisable to do this to prevent infection of burn surfaces. You can use a sterile bandage or an ironed piece of cotton fabric. 

You can help the person wrap himself in a clean cloth and take him to the nearest hospital or wait for the doctors to arrive (whichever is faster). 

If you have a slight burn (slight redness without blistering, with mild pain), then it is enough to treat the surface with chlorhexidine. You can cool the skin a little with running water if the wound is not very large. In the future, you can use panthenol for speedy healing.

For more serious burns, you should definitely consult a doctor. Treatment may include bandaging, therapy, skin grafts, and other surgery, depending on the extent of the damage. 

But how do you know when to call an ambulance and when it’s enough to just make an appointment with a doctor at a clinic? There are clear criteria when you cannot do without an ambulance:

• if a child or elderly person is injured;
• if a burn of any degree is larger in area than five palms of the patient;
• if the head, eyes are injured, two arms or two legs, genitals or respiratory tract are affected;
• 3rd or 4th degree burn. 

It is not always possible to understand how serious the patient’s condition is by appearance. Especially when it comes to a baby.

The person may need hospital treatment. (5)

Anton Samoilov, a dermatologist at the “Be Healthy” clinic on Frunzenskaya, talks about what you should and should not do in case of burns . 

“Under no circumstances provide assistance until you are sure of your own safety (there is no fire, hot appliances, or electric current nearby). 

If the patient has extensive burns (2–4 degrees) and shock, he must be placed in a position in which pain will be less bothersome, given water, and called an ambulance.

It is important not to treat burns yourself: you do not need to apply anything to the wound or open the blisters – this will only cause an infection. 

Also, do not apply ice or cool the burn under water for too long. It is necessary to act only on the doctor’s recommendations.”

It is important for everyone to know this simple instruction so that if necessary, you can help yourself or a loved one.

Note that burns mainly occur at home and at work. Women and children most often suffer at home (overturned boiling water, explosions of gas cylinders), and at work – men (fire, electrical injuries). 

• Inspect the burn site. If you can move, consult a surgeon, traumatologist, or a specialist who specializes in burns, such as a combustiologist or burn surgeon. If the burn is serious, call an ambulance. 
• Remove clothing from the affected areas, but do not forcefully remove it if it is stuck. 
• Drink some water. 
• Apply an aseptic dressing or bandage to the burn site. You can cool the skin a little with running water if the wound is not very large.
• Wait for an ambulance or have someone take you to the nearest hospital. Don’t waste time: the sooner you receive qualified assistance, the easier your recovery will be.