First aid for burns
Burns can be caused by flames, UV radiation, hot liquids (scalds), an electric current and some chemicals.
Injuries from burns vary greatly in their severity, from major life-threatening injuries through to minor wounds. The best way of treating the burns will depend on the part(s) of the body burnt, and the size and depth of the burn.
Safety first
The first thing to do is to make sure that both you and the victim are safe from the source of the injury. For example, in the case of an electrical burn, turn off the power source and do not touch the victim until you know the power has been turned off.
Call for help
In the case of a major burn, or if the person is unconscious or has difficulty breathing, call 000 for an ambulance.
If the person is unconscious, check whether they are breathing and have a pulse, and commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
Stop the burning process
Put out the flames. For example, if someone’s clothes are on fire, get them to ‘stop, drop and roll’, or cover the flames using a blanket or coat and roll the victim on the ground.
For chemical burns, brush off any chemicals on the skin first, using a cloth or brush (not your bare hands), then wash the area with lots of cold water.
Remove any burnt clothing or, in the case of a scald, clothing soaked with hot liquid, but don’t remove clothing that is stuck to the burn. Also, remove jewellery that might cause constriction, such as a ring or wristwatch.
Cool the wound
Cool the burn wound as soon as possible. This is best done using cold running water from a tap. Generally, this should be done for about 20 minutes or until the pain eases. Care must be taken, however, especially with burns to a large area, that the person does not become too cold (hypothermic). This can be avoided by applying cold water only to the burnt areas, and keeping the rest of the person warm.
Ice or iced water should not be used, because it can deepen the damage from the burn.
Preferably, cooling should begin immediately, but if this is not possible there is still some benefit if started within 3 hours of the injury.
Medical assistance
The burn should be covered with a clean, non-stick dressing, or clean cloth while awaiting medical help. Medical advice should be sought in all cases, except for very minor burns.
Last Reviewed: 25 August 2006
