When to seek emergency care

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:

• Severe burns
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:

• Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, move the source away from you and the person, using a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
• Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
• Try to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled.
• Apply a bandage. Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel, because loose fibers can stick to the burns.