First Aid for Burns

Burns are extremely common, painful and potentially life-changing injuries. Burns frequently become infected and scarring from burns is often disfiguring and permanent.

13,000 burns injuries are treated in British hospitals each year. 200 people die from burns related injuries each year.

The incidence of burns peaks in the four weeks around November the 5th, when around 1,000 people will be injured from fireworks. Of these accidents, nearly 600 are likely to occur at home or private parties and nearly 400 accidents involve children under the age of 13.

Types of burns: thermal, chemical and more

Burns aren’t always caused by naked flames. The most common are thermal burns from contact with hot liquids (scalds), steam, flames, hot objects or explosions. However, chemical burns from acids and alkalis, electrical burns from electricity and lightning, and cold burns from extreme cold or frozen products can also cause deep, serious tissue damage.

Whatever the cause, early, effective first aid – especially cooling with running water – dramatically reduces pain, tissue damage and long-term scarring.

First Aid for Burns:

Hold the affected area under cool, running water for a full 20 minutes. Keep the casualty warm and look out for signs of shock. After that, remove any loose clothing and jewellery as soon as possible however NEVER remove anything that has stuck to a burn. If a child is burnt and the area is blistered and larger than a 50p piece, phone for an ambulance immediately. In addition, once the burn has been cooled for at least 20 minutes, cover with cling film or a sterile plastic bag if appropriate. Alternatively keep running it under water until the paramedic arrives.

A health professional should assess all burns

1. Treatment should ideally use cool running water of 2-15 degrees in Celsius.
2. Cool burns under running water for a full 20 minutes.
3. Do not apply ice or icy water to a burn. This can lead to hypothermia.

Research demonstrated that effective treatment of burns (i.e. following the steps given above)  will significantly reduce tissue damage. It will also speed up wound healing and reduce scarring.

ABOVE ALL NEVER:

• Touch the burn
• Remove anything stuck to the burn
• Use lotions, ointments or creams
• Use adhesive dressings
• Break blisters

If clothing is on fire, remember: stop, drop, wrap and roll.

Try to prevent the casualty from panicking or running – as any movement or breeze will fan the flames and make things worse – Stop. Help the casualty drop to the ground and wrap them in a blanket, coat, or rug to smother the flames. Firstly, protect yourself from the fire. After that, roll the casualty along the ground until there are no flames.

You might find it helpful to display our free ‘When to call an ambulance’ poster, so everyone at home or work can quickly see when a burn needs urgent 999 medical help.

First aid for chemical burns and corrosive substances

Chemical burns can be caused by acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances, including some household cleaners and industrial chemicals. They can continue to burn and damage tissue for many hours after contact, so immediate treatment is critical.

If someone has been splashed with a corrosive chemical:

• Call 999 if there is any concern about their breathing, eyes, or if a large area is affected.

• Remove contaminated clothing and jewellery carefully, cutting it away if necessary so you don’t drag the chemical across more skin.

• Do not wipe the skin, as this can spread the chemical.

• Rinse the affected area immediately with copious running water for at least 20 minutes. A small bottle is not enough – use a tap, hose or shower if possible.

• Give priority to the eyes, face and airway – keep water flowing gently away from the face so it doesn’t pool or run into the unaffected eye.

This same “remove and rinse” approach is recommended in current NHS and specialist burns guidance for chemical burns and acid attacks, and it can make a huge difference to pain, long-term damage and scarring.

For more everyday safety advice, our burn prevention guide covers simple steps to reduce the risk of burns and scalds at home, work and during celebrations.

Burn aftercare and when to seek further advice

Even small burns can become infected, so it’s important to keep the area clean and watch for warning signs over the next few days.

Contact a health professional or attend urgent care if you notice:

• Increasing redness, swelling or warmth around the burn

• Worsening pain or throbbing

• Pus or a foul-smelling discharge

• Fever, feeling unwell or shivery

Never break blisters yourself, and avoid using creams, oils or home remedies on a fresh burn. Follow the advice given by your doctor, burns unit or NHS 111, and seek further help if you are worried at any point.

Our Burns, Falls and Emergency Calls first aid course gives you the confidence to manage serious burns, recognise shock and know exactly when a casualty needs urgent 999 treatment.

Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life and Online First Aid

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We strongly advise that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.

First Aid for Life and Online First Aid is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.

First Aid for life and Online First Aid provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.

Author: Emma Hammett