Burns and scalds
Severe burns
Treatment
Start cooling the burn immediately under running
water for at least 10 minutes
Dial 999 for an ambulance
- Make the casualty as comfortable as possible, lie them
down
- Continue to pour copious amounts of cold water over the burn
for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved
Whilst wearing disposable gloves, remove
jewellery, watch or clothing from the affected area - unless it is
sticking to the skin
Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy
material to protect from infection. Cloth, a clean plastic bag or
kitchen film all make good dressings- Treat for shock
Minor burns
Treatment
For minor burns, hold the affected area under cold water for at
least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove jewellery etc.
and cover the burn as detailed above.
If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires
medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent
hospital treatment.
Clothing on fire
Treatment
- Stop the casualty panicking or running – any movement or breeze
will fan the flames
- Drop the casualty to the ground
- If possible, wrap the casualty tightly in a coat, curtain or
blanket (not the nylon or cellular type), rug or other heavy-duty
fabric. The best fabric is wool
- Roll the casualty along the ground until the flames have been
smothered.
On all burns:
- Do not use lotions, ointments and
creams
- Do not use adhesive dressings
- Do not break blisters.
Related topics
Please note:
These hints are no substitute for thorough knowledge of first
aid! St John Ambulance holds first aid
courses throughout the country.