In case of burning clothing, what is the first action you should take?

In case of burning clothing, what is the first action you should take?

• A. Don’t use a fire extinguisher, inform the TA and they will use a fire blanket.
• B. The victim stops, drops, and rolls.
• C. If chemicals were involved, rinse with the safety shower for 15 minutes.
• D. Contact Daria, Main Office, and DPSEP.

Answer: (B)

When clothing is on fire, the quickest way to reduce burns is to smother the flames first. The best immediate action is stop, drop, and roll. Stopping prevents wandering flames, dropping lowers your center of gravity and makes rolling easier, and rolling on the floor cuts off the flame’s oxygen, rapidly extinguishing it and limiting injury. After the flames are out, you can remove burning material if safe, cool the affected skin with plenty of running water, and seek medical attention for burns. Rinsing with the safety shower or involving others should come after the flames are controlled, not as the first step.

When clothing is on fire, the quickest way to reduce burns is to smother the flames first. The best immediate action is stop, drop, and roll. Stopping prevents wandering flames, dropping lowers your center of gravity and makes rolling easier, and rolling on the floor cuts off the flame’s oxygen, rapidly extinguishing it and limiting injury. After the flames are out, you can remove burning material if safe, cool the affected skin with plenty of running water, and seek medical attention for burns. Rinsing with the safety shower or involving others should come after the flames are controlled, not as the first step.