Basic First Aid for Burns - 01/11/2011

With bonfire night fast approaching we at RANA risk management offer the basic advice for treatment of burns. It is essential to apply the appropriate first aid to any burns as soon as possible, to limit the extent of the damage.

You may need to do this for yourself, or for someone else!

It is very important to stop the burning process as soon as possible. This may mean removing the person from the area, dousing flames with water, or smothering their body with a blanket to put out any flames. However, do not put yourself at risk of getting burned as well. 

Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burnt area of skin, but do not try to remove anything that is stuck to the burned skin as this could cause more damage.

Cool the burn with cool or tepid water for 10-30 minutes, ideally within 20 minutes of the injury happening. Never use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances, such as butter.

Make sure that the person keeps warm, with a blanket or layers of clothing (avoiding the injured area). This is necessary when you are cooling a large area of skin because there is a risk of hypothermia, particularly in children and the elderly.

Seeking medical advice

There are times when you should seek medical advice regarding further treatment including:

• if the burn is deep or large, or there is blistering,
• if the burn is on the face, hands, feet, genital area, joint areas, or is around the upper body, neck, or a limb,
• if it is an electrical or chemical burn,
• if the burn is infected,
• if smoke or fumes have been inhaled,
• if there are other injuries that need attention, or the person feels unwell,
• if the person has pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, or liver disease, diabetes, immunosuppression (very susceptible to infection due to a pre-existing condition or treatment with certain medication) or pregnancy, or if the burn is difficult to manage at home, or help is needed with pain control.

If in doubt call and seek medical advice:

Have you considered attending one of our First Aid Courses?  Call RANA risk management now for more information.