Treating Burns and Scalds

Burns are injuries caused by extremes of temperatures , chemicals or radiation. Burns caused by "wet" heat such as steam or hot liquids are called scalds.

To treat a burn, follow the first aid advice below:

• Immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning.
• Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water for 10-30 minutes. Do not use ice, iced water or any creams or greasy substances, such as butter.
• Remove any clothing or jewellery that is near the burnt area of skin, but do not move anything that is stuck to the skin.
• Make sure the person keeps warm – for example by using a blanket – but take care not to rub it against the burnt area.
• Cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it.
• Use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to treat any pain.

Electrical burns

Electrical burns may not look serious, but they can be very damaging.

If the person has been injured by a low-voltage source (up to 220–240 volts) such as a domestic electricity supply, safely switch off the power supply or remove the person from the electrical source using a non-conductive material. This is a material that does not conduct electricity, such as a wooden stick or a wooden chair.

Do not approach a person who is connected to a high-voltage source (1,000 volts or more).

Chemical burns

Chemical burns can be very damaging and require immediate medical attention.

• remove any clothing that has the chemical on it from the person who has been burnt
• if the chemical is dry, brush it off their skin
• use running water to remove any traces of the chemical from the burnt area

Sunburn

• If you notice any signs of sunburn, such as hot, red and painful skin, move into the shade or preferably inside.
• Take a cool bath or shower to cool down the burnt area of skin.
• Apply after-sun lotion to the affected area to moisturise, cool and soothe it. Do not use greasy or oily products.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

If a person with heat exhaustion is taken quickly to a cool place, given water to drink and has their clothing loosened, they should start to feel better within half an hour. If they don’t, they could develop heatstroke. This is a medical emergency and you’ll need to call 999 for an ambulance.