Burn First Aid

Burn First Aid Management: Essential steps to help respond and manage a burn

A quick response to a burn will reduce pain and potentially long term effects. This Fact Sheet outlines essential first aid steps to manage a burn.

• Do not apply lotions, ointments, fat or ice to a burn.
• Do not touch the injured areas or burst any blisters.
• Do not remove anything sticking to the burn.
• If the burn is larger than a 20 cent piece, or deep, seek medical aid

This Burns First Aid Management Fact Sheet will help you identify the signs and symptoms and help you manage a burn emergency.

Signs & Symptoms:

Superficial burns

The area is: red, very painful, blistered

Deep burns

The area is: mottled red and white, dark red or pale yellow, painful, blistered.

Full thickness burns

The area: is white or charred, feels dry and leathery. Nerves are destroyed, the pain will not be as great as in a superficial burn

What to do:

If the patient’s clothing is on fire

1. Stop the patient from moving around.
2. Drop the patient to the ground and cover or wrap them in a blanket or similar, if available.
3. Roll the patient along the ground until the flames are extinguished.
4. Manage the burn.

Management for all burns:

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. If the burn is severe or if it involves the airway, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
3. As soon as possible, hold the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes.
4. Remove any clothing and jewellery from the burnt area, unless they are stuck to the burn.
5. Cover the burn with a light, loose nonstick dressing, preferably clean, dry, non-fluffy material (eg plastic cling film).
6. Continue to check the patient for shock, and treat if necessary.

A ‘cold’ burn is actually tissue damage from extreme cold, thus treatment is different from thermal burns.

In a medical emergency call Triple Zero (000). You could save a life with First Aid Training

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