What To Do if Someone is Burned
Picture these scenarios. While camping, one of your friends bumps into the Dutch oven just after it was pulled from the fire. Or a camper spills boiling water in his lap making coffee. Or someone reaches into a campfire to stoke the flames and gets burned on the arm. Or inhales super-heated air when lighting an exploding propane camp stove.
Would you know what to do?
Different stages of burns
Burns are defined by how severely and deeply the skin is affected.
- First-degree (superficial) burns
Just the outer, top layer of skin is affected. The burn is red and dry, and with no blisters. The person may experience minor pain. Mild sunburn is an example. - Second-degree (partial thickness) burns
Second-degree burns get deeper into the skin, including part of the dermis layer. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful. - Third-degree (full thickness) burns
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis and may damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. The burn site appears white or charred. There is no sensation in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.
High risk burns include partial thickness burns of the face, genitals, or burns affecting 10 percent body surface area. Swelling of the burn area can cause respiratory problems. In addition, burns of hands and feet can limit functionality and mobility.
Full or partial thickness burns affecting 10 percent or more body area are considered to be major injuries and require early medical attention. Monitor for hypothermia, infection, respiratory distress,
The adult hand is a good measuring tool. An open hand represents about 1 percent of a body’s surface. Therefore, you can use an open hand to estimate the size of the burn site.
Treatments for burns
First degree, superficial
The first step in any situation is to stop the burning. Get the victim or body part away from the source of heat. Apply cool, clean water to the surface. Do not put ice on the burn. Ice can restrict blood flow – thereby delaying the healing process. Offer pain medication like Tylenol or Advil if the person is uncomfortable.
Cover the wound if necessary and monitor for an hour or two. The person should recover rather quickly.
Second degree, partial thickness:
Rinse with cool, clean water for about 20 minutes (generally until the pain is reduced). Use a gentle soap to clean the wound. Apply an ointment, and dress the burn with a non-sticking gauze. Like any other wound, you want to protect the burn from dirt and germs. If no gauze is available, use clean plastic wrap.
Acceptable ointments include aloe vera, antibiotic ointments (Neosporin, for example), and Vaseline.
Do not apply butter, oils, or home remedies, and avoid popping blisters.
Provide OTC pain meds like Tylenol or Advil as needed.
For burns covering more than 15 percent of the person’s body, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Monitor the person for any of the other symptoms, including circulatory system problems (shock), respiratory problems, and a change in mental status.
Third degree, full thickness:
This is a severe burn.
Anyone suffering a third-degree burn must be evacuated. Even if the burn site is a small area, you won’t be able to treat it thoroughly in the field. The risk of infection is too great. Follow the steps for a second-degree burn, but make plans to transport the victim to a hospital.
Monitor the person for signs of shock or declining alertness. Provide additional first aid as necessary.
Circumferential burns, burns to sensitive areas
A circumferential burn encircles an arm or leg. These are serious, as the swelling chokes off the blood flow below the burn site (like a tourniquet, but not as tight). These require immediate medical attention. The longer the blood flow is restricted, the greater the potential for damage to tissue below the burn.
Also of concern are any burns to the face and genitals (high risk of infection). A burn to the face or mouth may cause swelling in the trachea.
Food and drink are OK
Can you give the burn victim food and drink? Sure, as long as the person is conscious and alert. Continue to monitor the situation, and take any necessary steps if the person’s condition deteriorates.
Treat in field or evacuate?
For third-degree burns, the decision is obvious: The person must receive medical attention. Less-serious burns offer options in the field. You need to decide if this is a high-risk or low-risk situation. Quickly determine:
- The severity of burn
- How much of the body is affected
- The victim’s overall condition
By overall condition, I include the respiratory and circulatory systems. Is the person breathing easily? Swelling in the trachea, as noted above, poses a serious threat to breathing. Has the person experienced severe fluid loss? Is the person going into shock? Also, does the person remain alert?
This is why it’s so important to monitor those situations involving second-degree and third-degree burns. What started as a manageable issue could degrade into a really serious matter.
Serious burns appear to be a rare occurrence among outdoor enthusiasts. Quick response to a burn can mitigate the damage and help the victim heal properly.
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Did you miss the previous articles?
2026
- 2026-07-01 Show Your Patriotic Spirit This Semiquincentennial
- 2026-06-12 Think Vehicle Security
- 2026-05-15 https://www.4x4training.com/w/spring-cleaning/
- 2026-04-12 Base Camp Or Cruising – Which Do You Select?
- 2026-03-25 Refresher: Handle Cold-Weather Medical Issues Properly
- 2026-02-12 Foul Weather Food
- 2026-01-16 Pack Spare Bolts and Nuts
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The 2026 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
Trips in 2026
If you are interested in Fall Death Valley there are two open slots. DV limits the n umber of vehicle we can take.
September 2026
September 12, 2026 Tire Repair and Hi-Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
September 19, 2026 Mini Clinic – Dutch Oven
October 2026
October 03, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
October 04, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
October 04-05, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
October 10, 2026 Winching Clinic – LA Area
October 16, 2026 Death Valley Adventure
October 17, 2026 AWD Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic
October 24, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
October 25, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
October 24-25, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 2026
November 02, 2024 SEMA
November 07, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 08, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 07-08, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
November 14, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 15, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 14-15, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 28, 2026 Turkey Run
December 2026
December 05, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 06, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 05-06, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
December 12, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 13, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 12-13, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
December 29, 2026 Saline New Years Run
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2026, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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