The first part is identifying the type and severity of the burn.
First degree burn - Least severe burn. Only affects the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. The skin will look red and irritated - painful and possible swollen. A sunburn is a good example of a first degree burn.
Second degree burn- The first layer of skin is completely burned and is probably starting to fall off. The second layer of skin, the dermis, has been reached and is burned- closer to the nerves and therefore a lot more painful. This creates a lot more complications for treatment and healing.
Third degree burn - The burn has reached all the way to the third layer, the hypodermis and possibly even beyond that into the tissue beneath it. By this point the nerves have been completely destroyed and there will be no pain or sensation in the affected area. The skin will be charred and dry or leathery (gross).
Minor burns are easily treated and heal relatively fast. This is first degree burns and second degree burns within a certain amount of surface area. If any entire limb has second degree burns on it you need real medical attention. Your skin is the body's biggest barrier against bacteria and infection so when it's destroyed your body is exposed to infection.
To treat the burn, run it under cool water. Don't use cold water or hot water. Don't put ice on it. Don't put oil or butter or any other weird home remedy people have come up with. Run cool water on it until the pain goes away. It's better to leave the burn exposed to air to help it heal faster. You can apply some over the counter ointment or creme and take a pain reliever like ibuprofen. Infections aren't common with minor burns- but keep the burn clean and look out for blisters just in case.
A major burn is a lot more serious. This includes second degree burns covering a large area and third degree burns. It also depends on the location of the burn. More vital areas require more attention and specific treatment to ensure proper healing. You should go to the hospital for treatment for any burns on the face, neck, hands, feet, groin and large joints where healing is more difficult (knee, elbow).
For a major burn- call an ambulance or get to the ER. Don't try to peel off any burned clothing (unless it's still on fire). Removing it might tear tissue and cause bleeding. Don't run the burn under cool water. Apply a cool, wet compress to the area briefly and repeatedly. You want to reduce the temperature of the body and the tissue in that area. Do not use ice or cold water because it might damage the tissue further.
Cover the burned area with cool, moist and most importantly, sterile bandages. If possible, elevate the burned area above the heart to limit blood flow to the wound. Chances are the person will be going into shock due to the massive trauma and extensive nerve damage- so you want to reduce the chances of that happening and look out for signs of it. Someone going into shock: weak, fast heart rate, clammy skin, disorientation, nausea and even severe mood changes (becoming angry or combative). Stay with the person until you get to the hospital or emergency services reach you.
If it's a chemical burn you're going to need to know what kind of chemical it is to treat it properly. Most require thorough rinsing with water- but rinsing with water can be the worst thing possible with some chemicals. This is really specific and unless you're very knowledgeable of it- I'd leave it to the experts.
Again- like most of the first aid stuff I learn about- if it's a serious situation where someone's life or health is in danger- leave it to the professionals. Only act on these things if it's absolutely necessary and you know what you're doing.
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