Do not apply ointments, petroleum jelly, margarine, grease, oil or butter. This can lead to breaking the blisters and increase the risk of infection. Check for any signs or shock and other serious injuries. Do not try to remove burned clothing. Immerse the burned area in cold water or apply cold compresses briefly to bring skin temperature back to normal.
Prolonged immersion can lead to excessive body cooling.
Wrap the person loosely in a clean sheet and call 911. All major burns should be treated in a burn facility. Special thanks for the use of this article go out to The Canada Safety Council and to Christopher Guly a free lance journalist in our National Capital Region.