Burns

The most important thing is to cool the wound with cold water from the tap (15-20 minutes). Then you should cover the wound with a clean compress, e.g. from your dressing trolley in the car, and secure it with a bandage or plasters. If you do not have any dressing material at home, use a freshly washed cloth kitchen towel.

Your doctor will provide you with the best treatment and a dressing for your burn. If the extent of the burn requires it, your doctor will refer you to a plastic surgeon. If possible, remember to bring your vaccination record with you (tetanus).

Our range of emergency care includes the initial treatment of burns. Depending on the extent of the burn, patients can be treated further at our clinic, or transfer to a burns center can be organized by our emergency team. We treat

• All emergencies as part of first aid
• Burns with an extent of up to 20% of the body surface area
• Consequences of burns such as keloids, cicatricial cords, ectropion
• Aesthetic corrections

Indications for admission or referral to a burn center are

• Burn extension of more than 20% of the body surface area
• Suspected or confirmed inhalation trauma
• Heavy current or lightning injuries
• Infants or elderly patients (over 70 years) with a burn extent of more than 10% of the body surface area
• Deep II or III burns to the perineum, hands, face or neck

North:
University Hospital Zurich
Tel. +41 44 255 11 11

South:
University Hospital Lausanne
Tel. +41 21 314 11 11