Burns can be caused by a number of factors ranging from sunburn and flames to chemicals and ice, and can range in severity from a small reddened area of skin to a life-threatening full thickness burn.
Minor Burns
For minor burns and scalds - for example getting splashed with hot water or touching something hot - the burned area should be held under cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.
If a minor burn is larger than the size of a postage stamp the casualty should seek medical attention.
Severe burns
For severe burns - those which are larger than the size of the palm of the casualty's hand, those of any size which have gone through the top layer of skin, or chemical burns - the treatment begins the same.
The burn should be cooled under cold running water for at least 10 minutes and an ambulance should be called.
While waiting for the ambulance the casualty should be made as comfortable as possible - ideally lying down - while cold water is poured over the burn to relieve the pain.
Do's
- Do remove jewellery and watches from the affected area - burns can swell and these can cause problems with circulation.
- Do remove clothing from the affected area, unless it is sticking to the skin.
- Do cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection once it has been cooled down. Cloth, a clean plastic bag or clingfilm all make good coverings.
- Do treat for shock - lie the casualty down with his legs elevated and cover him with a blanket.
- If the patient starts to find it difficult to breathe get him to hospital urgently.
Do Nots
- Do not use lotions, ointments and creams, despite the old wives' tale about using butter!
- Do not use adhesive dressings as they can damage sensitive skin.
- Do not burst blisters as this can let in infection.
Clothing On Fire
If a casualty's clothes are on fire you should follow Fire Service advice to 'Stop, Drop and Roll' - stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll on the floor to put out the flames.
- First calm the casualty down and stop him from running around. Any movement or breeze can fan the flames and make the fire worse.
- Next, if possible, wrap him tightly in a coat, curtain or blanket - but not nylon or cellular types - rug or other heavy-duty fabric. The best fabric is wool.
- Roll the casualty along the ground until the flames have been smothered.
Do not put yourself at risk while treating a casualty.
All advice given here is as recommended by St John Ambulance in the UK. First aid advice in other countries may differ.
This article should be treated as a guide but is not a substitute for attending a first aid course.
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