If you see someone catch fire right in front of you, would you know what to do? Many people freeze in that terrifying moment, unsure how to respond without putting themselves in danger. Fires involving the human body are intense, fast-moving, and potentially fatal, leaving little room for hesitation.
Flammable substances are part of daily life, from cooking oils to gasoline; this kind of emergency can happen almost anywhere. Whether the fire is accidental or intentional, your response must be fast, calm, and informed. But would you be ready?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential ways to help someone who is on fire, starting with ensuring your safety, helping extinguish the flames, and providing immediate first aid until emergency help arrives. Being prepared isn’t just helpful; it’s potentially life-saving.
How to Help When Someone Catches Fire?
Someone catching fire is a terrifying emergency, and knowing the right ways to help can make all the difference. Here’s a quick guide to help you act swiftly and safely to extinguish the flames and provide critical assistance:
1. Ensure the Scene is Safe
Your first responsibility is to avoid becoming a second victim, so your safety is extremely important. Before helping, take a moment to assess the scene for any dangers such as flammable materials, active flames, or other hazards nearby. If the fire on the person is unusually large, has dripping flames, or gives off a strong smell of fuel or chemicals, it may be caused by accelerants on their body. These can easily ignite you as well, so it’s important to keep a safe distance.
Once you’ve carefully evaluated the situation and ensured your own safety, call emergency services or 911 right away.
2. Tell them to Stop, Drop, and Roll
Once you’ve made sure the area is safe, quickly instruct the person on fire to use the “stop, drop, and roll” technique. This simple but effective method is the fastest way to smother the flames and prevent further injury.
Here’s what you should instruct the victim:
Stop: Immediately shout for a person to stop moving from the place where they are.
Drop: Tell them to drop to the ground immediately. The person should lie on the ground, covering their face with a hand to protect it.
Roll: Instruct them to roll back and forth to smother the fire with their face covered with their hands.
Note: The person may panic and have trouble following instructions. If the fire is small and it’s safe for you to approach, assist them directly with the Stop, Drop, and Roll technique. However, if it’s not safe to get close, stay at a safe distance and give loud, clear instructions to guide them.
3. Use a Blanket or a Coat
If a blanket or coat is available, use it to cover the flames on the person or wrap it around them to help put out the fire. Be careful not to cover their face, as this could cause breathing problems. Make sure the material is not made of synthetic fabric that can melt, as melted fabric can stick to the skin and cause more injury.
4. Use Water
If water is available nearby and it’s safe to use, you can pour it over the flames to help put out the fire. Water works well for putting out flames caused by clothing or other basic materials. However, do not use water if the fire involves accelerant like grease, kerosene, or is near electrical sources, as this can make the situation more dangerous.
5. Use a Fire Extinguisher
If the fire is huge and the ways like ‘stop, drop, and roll’ or using a blanket don’t work, then you should use a fire extinguisher, which is available nearby. While using the fire extinguisher, you should stand a few steps away and should never spray on the person’s face. Don’t spray the extinguisher for too long in one spot, as it can seriously hurt skin. Use short bursts and aim at the bottom of the flames.
To use a fire extinguisher, remember the PASS method:
- P: Pull the pin
- A: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
- S: Squeeze the handle
- S: Sweep side by side to cover the entire fire area
In case you don’t have a fire extinguisher available nearby, don’t panic. The most important step is to instruct the victim to continue the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” method. If they can’t do it on their own and it’s safe for you to help, assist them.
You should try to extinguish the fire with a blanket, towel, or coat made from natural fibers. Press or wrap the fabric gently over the flames, avoiding the face. If water is available and safe to use, continue pouring it over the flames to help stop the fire.
Once the flames are out, focus on keeping the person calm and still. Begin basic first aid and wait for emergency services to arrive. Even without a fire extinguisher, your quick actions can help stop the fire and save a life.
What to Do After Putting Out the Fire?
Once the flames are out, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further harm, begin basic first aid, and get ready for emergency medical help.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Move Away from the Heat Source
Once the fire is extinguished, quickly use proper techniques to move the person away from the fire source to a safe area. This reduces the risk of further injury. Ensure they are away from any remaining flames, smoke, or hot surfaces.
2. Cool the Burned Area
If the burn is minor, you should cool the burned area by running cool water over the burn for about 10-20 minutes. Cooling the burn with cool water is the best way to help prevent further damage and give relief.
3. Remove Restrictive Clothing and Jewelry
Tight clothing or jewelry can trap heat, making the burn worse or increasing pain. Carefully remove clothing and jewelry, such as rings or bracelets that are not stuck to the skin.
4. Cover the Burn
After cooling the burn, cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth to protect it from dirt and germs. Keep the burn covered and clean until you can get medical help.
5. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If the burn is severe or covers a large area, help the victim seek immediate medical attention. If you have already called emergency services, wait for them to arrive and continue to keep the person calm and comfortable. If you haven’t called for help yet, do so immediately by dialing your local emergency number or 911.
What Not to Do After Putting Out the Fire?
Once the fire is out, it’s important to stay calm and act carefully. Certain actions can worsen the injury or complicate the healing process. Here’s what you should avoid doing after the flames are extinguished:
1. Don’t Apply Ice or Very Cold Water
You should never use ice or very cold water on a burn. Although it might seem like it would help, it can actually cause more damage to the skin and underlying tissue. Ice can reduce blood flow to the burned area, increase pain, and slow the healing process.
2. Don’t Use Ointments, Creams, or Home Remedies
Avoid applying butter, oil, toothpaste, or any kind of cream or ointment to a burn. These substances can trap heat inside the skin, making the injury worse. They may also increase the risk of infection or interfere with medical treatment.
3. Don’t Peel Off Stuck Clothing or Skin
If clothing or fabric is stuck to a burn, do not try to remove it. When the stuck clothing or fabric is pulled, it can tear the skin, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of infection.
4. Don’t Break Blisters
Do not pop or break them, even if they look large or uncomfortable. Opening a blister can lead to infection, slow the healing process, and increase pain. You should also avoid rubbing or scrubbing burned areas.
5. Don’t Give Food or Drink If in Shock or Unconscious
If the person is in shock, unconscious, or has severe burns, do not give them food or drink. Giving anything by mouth can cause choking, vomiting, or complications, especially if they need medical attention right away.
6. Don’t Move the Person Unnecessarily
If the person may have a spinal injury or other serious injuries, avoid moving them unless necessary. Moving them can cause further harm.
Tips on How to Avoid Fire Emergencies
Prevention is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe from fire hazards. By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire emergencies in your home and surroundings:
- You should be cautious around candles, fireplaces, or any open flames, and should never leave them unattended.
- Avoid wearing loose, flowing clothing and wear flame-resistant fabrics when cooking, near flames, or in situations where you might come into contact with heat or fire.
- You should store flammable materials away from stoves, heaters, or open flames.
- Never use matches, lighters, or any open flames near gasoline, alcohol, or other highly flammable substances.
- Educate everyone, especially children, on fire safety rules. You should teach them how to behave safely around flames, matches, and lighters, and explain the dangers of fire to prevent accidental burns.
Conclusion
You can assist someone on fire by using simple techniques like the Stop, Drop, and Roll method while ensuring your safety. Smother the flames with a blanket or coat if you have one, and only use a fire extinguisher if it’s safe to do so. If water is available and safe, pour it over the flames to help put them out. After the fire is out, administer first aid and call for medical help, particularly if the burns are severe. There are also certain things you should and should not do after the fire is out. The good news is, you can prevent fire emergencies with some precautionary steps.
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