When a person’s clothing ignites, swift, decisive action is required to prevent catastrophic injury. The primary objective is to extinguish the flames immediately, as every second the fire burns increases the depth and severity of burn wounds. Uncontrolled fire generates intense heat, leading to deep tissue damage and the release of toxic combustion products. The immediate actions taken by bystanders or the person themselves are often the difference between a minor injury and a life-threatening one. A calm, rapid response focused on eliminating the fire is the fundamental first step.
Immediate Extinguishment: Stop, Drop, and Roll
The most effective and universally taught method for a person whose clothing is on fire is the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique, provided the victim is conscious and mobile. This procedure is designed to extinguish the flames by depriving the fire of the oxygen it needs to burn. The first command must be to immediately stop all movement, as running introduces additional airflow that intensifies the fire, causing it to spread faster and upward toward the face.
The second step is to drop to the ground, transitioning the fire from a vertical to a horizontal plane, which helps to keep the flames away from the face and vital airways. Once on the ground, the person must cover their face and mouth with their hands to prevent thermal injury and the inhalation of hot gases or smoke. The final action is to roll over and over repeatedly until the fire is completely extinguished. This smothers the flames by physically pressing them against the ground, cutting off the oxygen supply and halting the combustion process.
Alternative Smothering Techniques and Scene Safety
If the person cannot perform the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique due to injury, panic, or incapacitation, alternative methods of smothering the fire must be employed immediately. The simplest approach involves using a non-synthetic material, such as a heavy coat, a wool blanket, or a rug, to wrap tightly around the person. The goal of this wrapping is to create an airtight seal that physically smothers the flames and displaces the oxygen.
Approach the victim from the head down and roll them in the material, ensuring the flames are compressed and denied air. Synthetic fabrics should be avoided because they can melt onto the skin, worsening the burn injury. Once the flames are completely out, the material must be removed to prevent trapped heat from continuing to injure the skin, a process known as retained heat injury. Any smoldering or charred clothing that is not stuck to the skin should be removed promptly, but clothing fused to the skin must be left in place until medical professionals can safely remove it.
Before rendering first aid, quickly assess the immediate area to ensure the scene is safe for both the victim and the rescuer. If the fire was caused by an electrical source, the power must be turned off immediately to eliminate the risk of electrocution. If flammable liquids were involved, the victim and rescuer should be moved to a clean, well-ventilated area away from any residual vapors. This brief moment of scene assessment prevents further accidents and allows for a focused transition to burn care.
Essential First Aid and Activation of Emergency Services
Once the fire is extinguished, the immediate focus shifts to mitigating tissue damage and preventing shock, starting with cooling the burn area. The most effective intervention is to apply cool, running water to the burn for ten to twenty minutes, which dissipates the residual heat and reduces pain. The water should be cool, not icy, to avoid causing vasoconstriction, which can deepen the injury, or leading to hypothermia, particularly in victims with extensive burns.
After cooling, the burn area should be loosely covered with a clean, non-stick, sterile dressing to protect the open wound from infection. The victim should be kept warm using clean blankets or coats to prevent the onset of shock, which is characterized by a dangerous drop in body temperature and blood pressure. Do not apply ointments, butter, ice, or home remedies, as these can trap heat in the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Simultaneously with providing first aid, activate local emergency services by calling 911 or the local emergency number. The operator needs clear, concise information, including the exact location of the incident and the nature of the emergency. The caller should also relay relevant details, such as the cause of the fire, whether the person is conscious, and if the fire involved chemicals or electricity, as this information is important for the responding teams.