Special Burns

Guidance, Safety Special: Burns.

It is always better to prevent someone getting burned than trying to treat them afterwards. Please take all necessary precautions to keep your friends and family safe this bonfire night. However should you need to treat someone who is burned then the following may help.

Remove the patient from the source of heat, do not put yourself at risk of harm.

Remove any clothing, shoes or jewellery near the burnt area of skin as this may cause complications when swelling occurs, but do not attempt to remove anything that is stuck to the burnt skin because this could cause more damage.

Cool the burned area with cool or lukewarm water for 10 to 30 mins as soon as possible. Do not use ice or iced water, any creams or greasy products such as butter.

Keep your patient warm with blankets away from the injury site to prevent hypothermia, particularly in children and the elderly, and for burns involving large areas.

Cover the burn with layers of lint free dressings or cling film, but do not wrap around the limb or body as again this will restrict swelling.

It is always good practice to refer a burned patient for professional medical opinion to minimise scarring and control complications.

If the burn is moderate or severe, affects the face, airways or genitalia or affects a large part of the skin this should be treated as an emergency and dial the emergency services.

Enjoy your bonfires, fireworks and stay safe.