Sub sections

When facing a burn situation, the first thing you need to determine in order to know how to treat a burn is the degree of the burn and how much damage has been done to the tissues. Burns are categorized as first-degree (minor), second-degree (major), and third-degree (critical). With each increasing degree of damage, the need to seek medical attention grows in urgency. Select the three links below for more in-depth descriptions and reference images.

First-degree burns

Second-degree burns

Third-degree burns

With major burns, always Dial 911 for medical assistance.