Correct burn first aid is simple and will:
- Reduce the severity of a burn
- Reduce pain from a burn
- Reduce the amount of medical treatment needed for a burn
- Reduce the amount of time it takes for a burn to heal
- Cool the burn and halt the burning process to the skin
Cool
Run lots of COOL running water over the burn
Call
CALL for medical help. 999 or NHS Direct (111 or 0845 4647 in Wales)
Cover
COVER the burn with loose strips of clingfilm or clean non-fluffy material to stop it getting infected
Cool
Remove clothing and jewellery
- Clothing can hold hot liquid next to the skin
- Metal jewellery holds in heat and can cause problems if the burn swells
Cool with water
- Cool the burn for 20 minutes immediately after it happens
- Running water from the cold tap or shower is best
- Keep the rest of the child warm
- Cooling can still help up to 3 hours after a burn injury has happened
Call
- Call 111 (NHS direct) or 999 if immediate medical attention for a serious burn is needed
- Call if the burn is on the face, hands, feet, joints or nappy area
- Call if the burn is larger than a 10p coin
- For a less serious burn seek advice from A&E, your GP or a pharmacist
Cover
- Cover the burn with loose strips of cling film to prevent infection and loss of fluid
- Cover the burn with loose strips of cling film to prevent infection and loss of fluid
- Clear cling film will help the doctor to see how serious the burn is, if the child needs to attend hospital
- Covering the burn reduces pain as it protects any damaged nerves that are exposed
- DO NOT wrap tightly with cling film as the burn may become swollen
Don’t put these things on a burn!
DO NOT put honey, butter, cream, ice, toothpaste etc. on the burn as these household items can cause further damage
This advice follows the recommendations of the British Burn Association, developed from medical research.
First aid is essential for any burn but prevention of hot drink burns is better than a cure. Take the SafeTea Pledge.