Section II. TREATING THERMAL BURNS
6-4.
IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF A THERMAL BURN
Thermal burns are caused by heat. They can be caused by contact with a
flame, a hot object, hot liquid, hot gas (such as steam), or the fireball from a nuclear
explosion.
6-5.
REMOVE SOURCE OF THE BURN, IF PRESENT
Remove the source of the burn if it is still present (put out flames, wash off hot
liquid with cool water, remove casualty from steam, and so forth). If the casualty's
clothing is on fire, have the casualty stop, drop to the ground, and roll on the flames
until they are out. Do not allow a casualty to run as this will only fan the flames. If the
casualty remains standing, the flames may ignite his hair and/or be inhaled.
a. If possible, cover the casualty with a large piece of nonsynthetic material,
such as a wool or cotton blanket, and roll the casualty on the ground until the flames
are smothered (figure 6-2). Do not use synthetic materials because synthetic material
may melt and cause additional injury.
b. If a source of water is readily available, douse the flames with water.
Figure 6-2. Smothering flames.
MD0554
6-4