How to Use a Fire Blanket on a Person: Emergency Fire Safety Guide

This guide explains when and how to properly use a fire blanket on a person, covering emergency procedures, safety precautions, and best practices for smothering flames on clothing or skin effectively.

When to Use a Fire Blanket on Someone

You should use a fire blanket on a personwhen their clothing catches fire. It's the safest method to smother flames without causing additional injury. Fire blankets work by cutting off oxygen supply to the fire, which is crucial for stopping the burn progression quickly.

Key situations for using a fire blanket:

• When someone's clothes are on fire (stop, drop, and roll may not be enough)
• When a person is near a small fire source that could spread to their clothing
• When dealing with cooking oil fires that might splash onto someone
• When electrical fires pose a risk of shocking the victim if water is used

Step-by-Step: How to Apply a Fire Blanket on a Person

Important:Always prioritize your safety first. If the fire is too large or out of control, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

Follow these steps to properly use a fire blanket on a person:

1. Assess the situation- Ensure it's safe for you to approach the person
2. Remove the blanketfrom its container by pulling the tabs (don't touch the blanket directly yet)
3. Hold the blanketwith your hands protected by the folded edges
4. Cover the personcompletely, starting from their head and working downward
5. Press gentlyto smother the flames - don't pat or slap
6. Keep coveredfor at least 30 seconds to ensure flames are completely out
7. Call for medical helpimmediately, even for minor burns

Why Fire Blankets Are Effective for Person Fires

Fire blankets made from flame-resistant materials (typically fiberglass or wool) provide several advantages when used on people:

• They don't conduct electricity (safer than water for electrical fires)
• They don't spread burning liquids (unlike water on oil fires)
• They minimize skin damage by smothering flames quickly
• They can be used to wrap the victim after extinguishing to prevent shock

Safety Precautions When Using Fire Blankets

While using a fire blanket on a personis generally safe, follow these precautions:

• Never wrap the blanket too tightly - this can trap heat against the skin
• Avoid using on face if possible - have the person hold their breath while covering
• Don't remove the blanket too quickly - smoldering may restart
• Check for other injuries after extinguishing the fire
• Never reuse a fire blanket - dispose of it properly after use

Fire Blanket vs. Other Fire Extinguishing Methods

Compared to other methods, fire blankets on personsoffer unique benefits:

Choosing the Right Fire Blanket for Personal Safety

If you're purchasing a fire blanket for potential use on people, consider:

• Size (at least 1m x 1m to cover an adult)
• Material (fiberglass is most common and effective)
• Certification (look for EN 1869 or equivalent standards)
• Easy-open packaging (crucial in emergencies)
• Wall-mounted container for quick access

Training and Practice Recommendations

To be prepared to use a fire blanket on a personeffectively:

• Practice removing the blanket from its container quickly
• Learn proper holding techniques to protect your hands
• Understand when NOT to use a blanket (large fires, chemical fires)
• Refresh your knowledge annually
• Consider first aid training for burn treatment

Remember:Using a fire blanket on a person is just the first step. Always seek professional medical attention for burn victims, even if injuries appear minor.