First Aid Tip: 4 Quick Steps to Treat a Burn

The severity of a burn can be very deceptive and a seemingly small burn injury can cause the victim’s condition to rapidly decline. It’s critical you understand what types of burns and symptoms require emergency medical treatment!

The 4 steps to treat a burn

1. REMOVE any jewellery or constricting items if possible without causing damage
2. COOL the burn with room-temperature running water for 20 minutes, but KEEP THE PERSON WARM and look for signs of shock (pale, cold and clammy skin)
3. COVER with non-adhesive burn dressing or plastic cling film
4. CALL 000 for an ambulance for:
   

   Airway burnsBurns to sensitive areas – face, hands, feet, major joints and private areas

   Burns that penetrate the skin

   Electrical, chemical and cold burns

   Shock symptoms

   Burns to vulnerable people – small children, elderly and those with other medical conditions

   Any burns greater than the size of the victim’s hand