Being on fire is a very dangerous situation that requires immediate action. If someone’s clothes or body catches on fire, every second matters in order to prevent serious burns or even death. Knowing what to do if you or someone else catches fire can help save lives. This article will provide an overview of what to do if a person catches on fire, including stopping the burning, treating burns, and preventing fires.
How to Put Out the Fire
The first priority when a person catches fire is to stop the burning as quickly as possible. Here are the steps to take:
Stop, Drop, and Roll
If your own clothes catch fire, stop, drop to the ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames. This deprives the fire of oxygen and puts it out. Do not run, as this will fan the flames. Drop to the ground and roll. Cover your face with your hands to protect it. Roll until the flames are completely out.
Smother the Fire
If someone else catches fire, have them stop, drop, and roll if they are able. If you are helping put out flames on someone else, use a blanket, coat, rug, or other thick fabric to smother the fire. Wrap it completely around the burning person to cut off air supply to the fire. Have them lay face down on the ground inside the blanket so you can pat out any flames and ensure the fire is extinguished.
Douse with Water
If available, large amounts of water can help extinguish the flames quickly. Use buckets of water, a fire extinguisher, or a shower or hose if immediately available. Soak the burning clothing or skin with water to stop the burning process. Ensure all flames are completely doused.
Remove Burning Clothes
Synthetic fabrics like polyester may continue burning even after the person stops, drops, and rolls. Carefully remove any clothing that is still burning using oven mitts, tongs, or a stick. Avoid touching burned skin or clothing with bare hands. Cut or peel wet, burning clothes off – do not try to pull them over the head which can pull off burned skin. Remove all burned clothing to ensure no embers remain.
Cool Burns
After extinguishing the flames, cool any burned skin with cool tap water for 3-5 minutes. Do not use ice water as this can cause further damage. Cooling helps stop the burning process and provides some pain relief. Keep cooling the burn until emergency medical help arrives.
Treating Burns
Once the fire is out, immediately begin providing first aid for any burns while waiting for medical assistance. Here is how to treat burns:
Call Emergency Services
All significant burns require emergency medical care. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Give details about the nature of the burn, whether flames are extinguished, and if the victim is breathing. Follow any instructions given carefully while help is on the way.
Remove Jewelry and Debris
Carefully remove anything stuck to the burned skin, except for pieces of clothing fused to the wounds. This includes jewelry, debris, watch bands, belts, etc. Leave any clothing stuck to the skin in place to avoid further injury. Cut around stuck clothing instead of pulling it off.
Cover with Sterile Bandage
After cooling, cover burns with a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, ice, butter, etc. which can cause infection. Secure bandages gently in place with tape, wrapping loosely to avoid restricting circulation. Covering protects burns from infection.
Elevate Limbs
If arms or legs are burned, elevate them above heart level to reduce swelling if possible. Prop them up on pillows or folded blankets. Do not elevate if you suspect a broken bone.
Treat for Shock
Serious burns often lead to shock, which is life-threatening. Lay the person flat and cover with coat or blanket to maintain normal body temperature. Do not give food or drink as it may cause vomiting. Be reassuring until emergency help arrives. Monitor breathing closely.
Preventing Clothing Fires
While quick action is key for surviving a clothing fire, prevention is ideal. Here are tips to help avoid clothing fires:
Wear Short or Tight-Fitting Sleeves
Loose, dangling sleeves are more likely to catch fire from heat sources like stoves, candles, or fires. Wear short or tight sleeves when cooking or near flames. Avoid loose peasant blouses, robes, or other loose-fitting shirts.
Avoid Synthetic Fabrics
Natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and linen tend to burn slowly or self-extinguish once removed from flames. Synthetics like polyester melt and can fuel flames. Wear natural fabrics around potential ignition sources.
Stay Away from Open Flames
Remain at a safe distance from any open flames like fireplaces, grills, candles, or gas stoves. Take precautions when deep frying by wearing an apron, using a splatter guard, and keeping flammable objects away from the stove.
Avoid Flammable Liquids
Take care when using gasoline, paint thinner, kerosene or other flammable liquids. Only use them in well-ventilated outdoor areas away from flames or sparks. Change out of work clothes with flammable stains before lighting a fireplace or smoking.
Practice Home Fire Safety
Equip your kitchen with fire extinguishers and avoid leaving cooking food unattended. Install and regularly test smoke detectors. Have fire escape ladders for upper levels. Follow all recommended fire precautions for home safety.
What to Do If a Child Catches Fire
Children are at high risk for clothing fires due to their curiosity around flames and stoves. If a small child catches fire, here are specific tips:
Stop, Drop and Roll
Instruct them to immediately stop where they are, drop to the ground, and roll repeatedly to put out the fire. Help them roll if needed or use a blanket to smother flames.
Cool Burns
Cool any burned areas with cool tap water. Do this for 3-5 minutes to halt burning and ease pain until help arrives.
Don’t Remove Stuck Clothing
Do not peel off any clothing that has adhered to burned skin, as this can cause more injury. Only remove clothing that comes off easily.
Cover with Sterile Pad
Bandage any burns with a sterile, non-stick pad or clean cloth to reduce infection risk. Secure gently with medical tape or a wrap. Avoid using lotion or creams.
Comfort the Child
Keep the child lying down, warm, and reassured. Speak calmly and positively while waiting for medical assistance. Monitor their breathing closely.
Call 9-1-1
All burns should receive emergency medical care. Do not transport the child yourself. Call for an ambulance right away.
Conclusion
Acting quickly if someone’s clothes catch fire can save their life and limit devastating burn injuries. Remember to have them stop, drop, and roll to smother the flames. Cool any burns, treat for shock, and get medical assistance immediately. With some basic preparation and safety awareness around potential fire hazards, clothing fires can also be avoided in the first place. Being prepared to respond appropriately if a fire starts is key to minimizing harm. Knowing what to do when a person catches fire can make all the difference in surviving this dangerous situation with less severe long-term consequences.