All heat burns should be cooled as quickly as possible with running cold water (sea or fresh), applied for at least ten minutes, or by immersion in basins of cold water. If it is not possible to cool a burn on the spot, the casualty should be taken to a place where cooling can be carried out.

Try to remove clothing gently but do not tear off any that adheres to the skin. Then cover the burned areas with a dry, non-fluffy dressing larger than the burns, and bandage in place.

Make sure you do not become the next casualty when approaching any person who is in contact with electricity. If possible, switch off the current. Otherwise insulate yourself before approaching and touching the casualty, by using rubber gloves, wearing rubber boots, or standing on an insulating rubber mat.

Then check casualty immediately for breathing and heartbeat. If casualty is not breathing, give artificial respiration. If heart has stopped, apply heart compression.

When the casualty is breathing, cool any burnt areas with cold water and apply a clean, dry, non-fluffy covering to these areas.

The treatment for electrical burns is the same as for thermal burns. It includes relief of pain, prevention and treatment of shock, and control of infection.