Burns and Scalds

Cool any burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove clothing and jewellery from the area unless stuck, and cover loosely with cling wrap or a sterile non-stick dressing.

Treat every burn the same way first

1. Stop the burning. Move away from the heat source. For clothing on fire: stop, drop, cover, roll.
2. Follow DRSABCD if the person is seriously unwell.
3. Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. This works for up to 3 hours after the burn.
4. Remove tight clothing and jewellery from the area — leave anything stuck to the skin.
5. Cover loosely with a sterile non-stick dressing or cling wrap laid flat (not wrapped tightly around a limb).
6. Treat for shock if the burn is large.

When to call 000

• Burn is larger than a 20-cent coin.
• Burn to the face, hands, feet, genitals or over a joint.
• Burns to a child, elderly person, or anyone with another illness.
• Electrical or chemical burn.
• Inhalation burns (smoke, steam).

Do NOT

• Do not apply lotions, ointments, butter, toothpaste or ice.
• Do not burst blisters.
• Do not peel off stuck clothing.

Chemical burns

Brush off dry chemical first, then flood with cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Wear gloves to protect yourself.

Electrical burns

Turn off the power source first. The burn often looks small but causes deep internal damage — always seek medical assessment.