Knowing proper first aid for scalds can prevent serious complications and reduce the severity of burn injuries. Whether it’s a scald from hot drinks, steam, or tap water, knowing how to treat burns and scalds properly can limit the amount of damage and prevent serious complications. This guide covers essential first aid for burns and scalds in those critical first moments.
Immediate First Aid for Burns and Scalds
Proper first aid for scalds begins with acting quickly to provide immediate care:
First, remove the source of the burn. Move the person away from hot liquids or steam. If clothing has been soaked with hot liquid, remove any clothing that isn’t stuck to the burn. Remove clothing or jewellery near the burnt area before swelling begins, but never pull off anything stuck to the burn.
Cool the burn immediately. Hold the burn under cool running water or pour cool water over the affected area. Use cold running water (not iced water) and keep the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and prevents further damage to the burned skin. If you don’t have access to running water, use any cool water available.
Continue cooling. Run water for at least 20 minutes, even if the pain subsides. You can cool the burn with running water for up to three hours after the burn occurs. The cooling process is crucial for both minor burns and more serious burns.
Protect body temperature. While cooling the burnt area, keep the rest of the person warm with blankets to prevent hypothermia, especially important for children and elderly people.
Check the burn severity. Look at the area of skin affected. A superficial burn will be red and painful, while full-thickness burns appear white or charred with less pain due to nerve damage.
When to Call Emergency Services
Effective first aid for scalds includes recognising when professional medical help is needed. Call an ambulance immediately (000) or seek urgent medical attention if:
The burn is severe. This includes any full-thickness burns, burns larger than a 20-cent coin, or burns that cover a large area of skin. Serious burns often require immediate medical care and may need skin grafts.
Location matters. Call an ambulance for burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints, regardless of size. Burns on your hand or other critical areas need professional assessment.
Signs of shock. If the person shows signs of shock such as shallow breathing, dizziness, or altered consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
Child has a burn. Children’s thinner skin means they suffer more severe burns from lower temperatures. When a child has a burn larger than a 50-cent coin, you need to call for medical help.
Chemical burns or electrical burns. These require specialist treatment and immediate medical attention, as they can cause internal damage not visible on the skin surface.
Proper Wound Care
Comprehensive first aid for scalds extends beyond initial cooling to include proper wound management. After cooling the burn with running water for 20 minutes, proper wound care prevents infection and promotes healing:
Cover the burn appropriately. Use a clear plastic bag or cling film to cover minor burns temporarily. Place cling film lengthwise over the burn rather than wrapping it around limbs. For small burns, a clean, non-stick dressing works well.
Avoid harmful treatments. Never use ice, butter, cream, or ointment on fresh burns. Don’t use creams or greasy substances as they trap heat. Avoid putting toothpaste, egg whites, or other home remedies on the burn.
Handle blisters carefully. Don’t burst any blister that forms, as this can lead to infection. Blisters protect the healing skin underneath.
Pain management. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Keep the burn elevated if possible to reduce swelling.
What not to do. Never use iced water, as this can damage tissue further. Don’t pull off clothing stuck to the burn, and avoid using cotton wool directly on the wound.
The Next 24-48 Hours
Ongoing first aid for scalds requires careful monitoring during the recovery period. Monitor the burn carefully in the hours after the burn occurs:
Watch for infection signs. Contact a health professional if you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, red streaking, or fever. These signs indicate the burn may have become infected and needs medical attention.
Keep the burn clean. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water daily. Pat dry and apply a clean dressing.
Seek medical advice if concerned. If pain worsens, the burn doesn’t start healing within a few days, or you’re worried about scarring, consult a healthcare provider.
Follow-up care. Some burns may require ongoing medical care to prevent permanent scar formation and ensure proper healing.
Prevent Burns and Scalds
Prevention remains the best approach to first aid for scalds. Prevent burns and scalds with these safety measures:
Kitchen safety. Keep hot drinks, hot food, and hot liquids away from the edge of benches and tables. Always supervise children around hot water and steam.
Child protection. Install a child safety gate to keep children away from hot cooking areas. Keep hot drinks out of children’s reach and teach them to stay away from hot appliances.
Water temperature. Set your hot water system to 50°C or below to reduce the risk of scalds from tap water.
Home safety. Keep your child safe by covering power points, securing cupboard locks, and maintaining awareness of potential burn hazards throughout your home.
FAQs
How Should I Respond to Chemical Burns?
Remove contaminated clothing (without touching the chemical), flush with cool running water for at least 20 minutes, and call emergency services (000) immediately. Never try to neutralise the chemical, as this can cause further damage.
What are Some Common Causes of Burns?
While first aid for scalds typically involves hot liquids, burns commonly occur from hot beverages, cooking oil, steam, hot bath water, stovetops, irons, electrical appliances, cleaning chemicals, and sun exposure.
How Should I Respond to Electrical Burns?
Never touch someone still connected to electricity. Turn off power at the mains or use a non-conductive object to move them away. Once safe, cool the burn with water and call emergency services (000) immediately, as electrical burns often cause hidden internal damage.