How to give first care for a burn
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
The first minutes decide how deep a burn becomes. Cool water is the best first aid.
Step by step
Stop the burning
Remove from the source, remove clothing and jewelry unless stuck. [1]
Cool
Cool running water for about 20 minutes; keep the patient warm. [1]
Cover
Clean non-stick dressing or plastic wrap. [1]
Do not
Ice, butter, creams, or breaking blisters. [1]
Special burns
Chemical: brush off powder, flush. Electrical: scene safety and ECG. [1]
Seek care
Large, deep, face, hands, feet, genitals, joints, airway, children and older adults. [1]
Common errors
- Ice.
- Short cooling.
- Hypothermia from cooling large burns.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.