Stay Ready: How to Treat Burns at Home After California Wildfires!
7 Essential Burn Wound Care Steps Californians Should Know After Wildfire Exposure
Wound care for burns can be a common topic among people all over the world but for Californians it’s a part of their life, part of their habitat as there is a constant increase in wildfires.
As heat waves and fire seasons intensify, more residents face the risk of smoke exposure and direct burn injuries.
In 2023 alone, over 7,000 wildfires were recorded statewide, putting thousands at risk. Knowing how to respond to a burn can reduce complications and save lives.
A Quick Take on Why This Matters
- Wildfire-related burns are rising across California.
- Fast, correct treatment reduces scarring, infection, and ER visits.
- Many injuries can be managed safely at home with the right steps.
Life Health CMG offers in-home care and telemedicine for burn follow-ups.
Understand Burn Types Before Treating
- First-degree burns: Red, dry skin; mild pain.
- Second-degree burns: Red, blistered skin; moderate to severe pain.
- Third-degree burns: White, charred, or numb skin; serious medical emergency.
This is how burns are classified in medical terms, and we need to know them especially if we are living in a habitat that is exposed to wildfire quite often.
Step-by-Step: Burn Wound Care at Home
1. Cool the Area
2. Remove Tight Items
Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–15 minutes. Avoid ice.
3. Apply a Non-Stick Bandage
4. Avoid Breaking Blisters
Blisters protect the wound; breaking them increases infection risk.
5. Manage Pain
6. Watch for Infection
7. Schedule Follow-Up
When to Seek Professional Burn Wound Care
If the burn is larger than 3 inches, affects the face, hands, feet, or groin, or is a third-degree burn, get urgent medical help. Life Health CMG offers in-home wound care and same-day telemedicine consultations.
Now that we just saw types of burns and how we can handle at home, let us quickly see what we can do during environmental injury or any burn injury.
What to Do in Any Injury or Environmental Emergency
Follow These 5 Steps in Any Emergency:
Stay Calm & Assess the Scene
Ensure the environment is safe for you and the injured person. Avoid hazards like live wires, unstable structures, or open flames.
Stop the Harm
Move the injured person away from immediate danger (e.g., fire, smoke, or debris).
Check Airway, Breathing & Circulation (ABC)
Administer Basic First Aid
Seek Professional Help
Use telemedicine for rapid guidance or call for in-home medical support if clinic access is limited.
Connect to Additional Services
- Get prescription refills delivered for antibiotics or pain meds.
- Schedule in-home physical exams to monitor healing.
- Coordinate lab tests without visiting a clinic.
Final Thought
Burn injuries from California wildfires are real and rising. Be prepared with these 7 steps and know when to call professionals.
Life Health CMG offers fast, expert in-home and virtual care to help you recover safely.
Need help with burn wound care ?
Call Life Health CMG today or book your telemedicine consultation now.