Burns and scalds are common injuries that require immediate first aid using cool water for burns to reduce tissue damage and support the healing process. Knowing how to provide proper first aid for burns will help you to tell the difference between a minor injury and a serious, life-threatening emergency requiring ambulance services.
Every year in Australia, thousands of people suffer burn injuries from hot liquids, electrical sources, chemicals, and heat exposure. Whether it’s a small burn from hot tea or coffee in the kitchen, or a more severe burn requiring urgent medical attention, understanding proper burns first aid techniques is essential for everyone.
Take action today: Enrol in a nationally recognised first aid course to learn life-saving skills that could help you respond confidently to burn emergencies and other medical situations.
Key Takeaways
- Cool running water for burns for at least 20 minutes, is the most effective immediate first aid treatment for burns and scalds
- Remove loose clothing carefully, but never pull away fabric stuck to burns
- Non-stick dressings protect wounds while allowing proper healing
- Monitor for signs of shock, especially with larger burns or deep burns
- Seek medical attention for burns larger than a 20-cent coin, burns on face/hands/feet, or any signs of infection
- Never use ice, butter, or oils on burns as these can cause additional damage
How to Use Cool Water for Burns Immediately
The most critical step in treating any burn or scald is to cool the burned area immediately with cool running water. This simple action can significantly reduce tissue damage and improve healing outcomes.
Why Running Cool Water for Burns is the Best First Aid
Running cool water for burns is the gold standard for first aid treatment because it rapidly removes heat from the affected tissue. When skin is burned, it continues to cook even after the heat source is removed. Running cool water over the burn stops this process and helps prevent further damage to both the first and second skin layers.
Research shows that cooling is effective up to 3 hours after the injury occurs, though immediate treatment provides the best results. Cool water also provides immediate pain relief and helps reduce swelling in the burned area.
How Long Should You Run Cool Water Over a Burn Injury
Run cool water for burns for at least 20 minutes. This duration ensures that heat is thoroughly removed from the tissue and inflammation is reduced. For serious burns covering a large surface area, continue cooling while waiting for emergency medical help.
| Burn Type | Minimum Cooling Time | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Minor burns (small area) | 20 minutes | Monitor for hypothermia in children |
| Partial thickness burns | 20 minutes minimum | May require longer cooling |
| Full thickness burns | 20 minutes | Call triple zero immediately |
| Chemical burns | 20 minutes minimum | May require extended flushing |
What Temperature Water Should You Use for Burn Treatment
Use cool tap water, not cold or ice water. The ideal temperature is between 15-25°C. Water that’s too cold can cause hypothermia, especially in children or when treating burns over a large total body surface area. Ice should never be used as it can cause additional tissue damage and restrict blood flow to the injured area.
Safe Methods for Removing Clothing from Burn Areas
Proper clothing removal is crucial for effective burn treatment, but it must be done carefully to avoid causing further injury.
When to Remove Clothing Around Burns Safely
Remove loose clothing and jewellery from around the burned area immediately, before swelling begins. This includes watches, rings, and tight clothing that could restrict circulation as the tissue swells. However, timing is critical – remove items quickly but gently while beginning the cooling process.
For burns caused by hot liquids, remove wet clothing immediately as it continues to hold heat against the skin. With electrical burns, ensure the power source is safely disconnected before removing any clothing.
How to Remove Stuck Clothing Without Causing Further Damage
Never pull clothing that has melted or stuck to the burn. This can remove skin and worsen the injury. Instead, cut around stuck fabric, leaving attached pieces in place for medical professionals to handle.
Use scissors to carefully cut away loose fabric while avoiding the burned area. If clothing removal is difficult or causing additional pain, prioritise cooling the burn and seek medical help immediately.
What Not to Remove from Severe Burns
For severe burns, particularly full thickness burns, avoid removing:
- Clothing stuck to the burned skin
- Melted synthetic materials
- Any debris embedded in the wound
- Blisters that have formed
These should only be handled by trained medical professionals in a sterile environment.
Protecting Burns with Non-Stick Dressings and Coverings
After cooling, protecting the burn from infection and further damage is essential for proper healing.
Best Non-Stick Dressing Options for Burn Wounds
Use clean, non-stick dressings specifically designed for burns. Plastic cling film can be used as a temporary covering – apply it loosely lengthwise rather than wrapping it around limbs to avoid restricting circulation.
How to Apply Burn Dressings Without Causing Pain
Apply dressings gently without pressure. For plastic cling film, tear off a length and lay it over the burn rather than wrapping it around. This prevents the dressing from sticking to the burn while allowing easy inspection of the wound.
Change dressings according to medical advice or when they become wet or dirty. Always wash hands thoroughly before handling any burn dressing.
When to Change Non-Stick Burn Dressings
Minor burns may need daily dressing changes, while more serious burns should only be redressed by healthcare professionals. Watch for signs that indicate the dressing needs changing:
- Visible moisture or drainage
- Unpleasant odour
- Increased pain or redness around edges
- Dressing becoming loose or damaged
Effective Pain Relief Measures for Burn Injuries at Home
Managing pain is an important part of burn care and supports the healing process.
Safe Over-the-Counter Pain Relief for Burns
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe options for managing burn pain. Ibuprofen also helps reduce inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial for burns. Always follow packet directions and consider age-appropriate dosing for children.
For severe pain that isn’t controlled by over-the-counter medications, seek medical advice promptly as this may indicate a more serious injury requiring professional treatment.
Natural Pain Management Techniques for Minor Burns
Cool water continues to provide pain relief even after the initial 20 minutes of cooling. Gently running cool water over minor burns can be repeated as needed for comfort. Elevating the burned area above heart level, when possible, can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Avoid home remedies like butter, honey, or oils, which can trap heat and increase infection risk.
When Professional Pain Management is Required
Seek medical help if:
- Pain is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter medications
- Burns cover more than 1% of total body surface area (roughly the size of the person’s palm)
- Signs of infection develop (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
- The burn doesn’t show signs of healing within 48 hours
Workplace first aid training provides significant benefits to Australian businesses, including reduced workers’ compensation claims, improved employee confidence in handling emergencies, and compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.
How to Avoid Further Damage to Burn Injuries
Preventing additional harm to burns is crucial for optimal healing and reducing the risk of complications.
Common Mistakes That Worsen Burn Injuries
Many well-intentioned actions can actually harm burn victims:
- Applying ice or very cold water instead of cool water for burns
- Using creams, butter, or oils
- Breaking blisters
- Removing stuck clothing forcefully
- Exposing burns to sunlight without protection
Understanding these mistakes helps ensure proper burn care and prevents complications that could extend healing time or cause permanent scarring.
Protecting Burns from Infection and Contamination
Keep burns clean and covered with appropriate dressings. Wash hands thoroughly before touching burn areas or changing dressings. Watch for signs and symptoms of infection, including increased redness spreading from the burn site, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaking.
Burns can become infected easily because the protective skin barrier is damaged. This is particularly important for burns in high-contamination areas like hands or feet.
Activities to Avoid While Burns are Healing
Allow adequate time for healing and follow medical advice about when normal activities can resume.
Recognising and Checking for Shock After Burn Injuries
Shock is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can develop after severe burns.
Signs and Symptoms of Shock from Severe Burns
Shock occurs when the body’s circulatory system cannot provide adequate blood flow to vital organs. With burns, this can happen due to fluid loss, pain, or the body’s stress response to injury.
| Physical Signs | Mental/Emotional Signs |
|---|---|
|
Pale, cold, clammy skin
CRITICAL
|
Confusion or disorientation
URGENT
|
|
Rapid, weak pulse
CRITICAL
|
Anxiety or restlessness
MONITOR
|
|
Shallow, rapid breathing
CRITICAL
|
Feeling of impending doom
SEVERE
|
|
Low blood pressure
CRITICAL
|
Decreased alertness
URGENT
|
|
Nausea or vomiting
MONITOR
|
Irritability
MONITOR
|
How to Monitor Someone for Shock After a Burn
Check vital signs regularly while waiting for medical help. Position the person lying down with legs elevated unless this causes additional pain or breathing difficulties. Keep them warm with blankets but avoid overheating.
Monitor consciousness levels and breathing patterns. If the person becomes unconscious or stops breathing normally, be prepared to start CPR.
When to Call Emergency Services for Burn-Related Shock
Call triple zero immediately if you observe any signs of shock, especially after burns covering a large surface area or full thickness burns. Don’t wait for shock symptoms to worsen – early medical intervention significantly improves outcomes.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Burn Injuries
Knowing when burns require professional medical treatment can prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
Signs That Require Immediate Emergency Treatment
Some burns always require urgent medical attention regardless of size. Call triple zero or go to the emergency department immediately for:
Burns That Need Professional Medical Assessment
Seek medical advice within 24 hours for:
Even minor burns may require medical assessment if you’re unsure about proper care or if complications develop.
Workplace environments benefit significantly from having staff trained in first aid, including burns treatment. This training reduces response times in emergencies, potentially preventing minor injuries from becoming major ones, and demonstrates a commitment to employee safety and wellbeing.
References
- Australian Resuscitation Council. (2022). Guideline 9.1.4 – First Aid for Burns. Australian Resuscitation Council.
- Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2024). Burns – first aid and treatment. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Burns Care Standards. ACSQHC Publications.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Injury in Australia: Burns. AIHW Statistical Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I run cool water for burns?
Run cool water for burns (not cold) over the burn for at least 20 minutes to remove heat from the tissue and minimise damage. This cooling period is effective even up to 3 hours after the initial injury.
Should I break blisters that form on burns?
No, never break blisters as they provide natural protection against infection. Blisters help the healing process and breaking them increases the risk of bacteria entering the wound.
When should I call an ambulance for a burn injury?
Call triple zero immediately for burns involving the face, airways, hands, feet, or genitals; electrical or chemical burns; burns larger than a 20-cent coin; or if the person shows signs of shock such as confusion, rapid pulse, or difficulty breathing. Meanwhile apply cool water for burns first aid.
Can I use plastic cling film to cover burns?
Yes, first apply cool water for burns, then, clean plastic cling film can be used as a temporary non-stick covering. Apply it loosely lengthwise over the burn rather than wrapping it around limbs to avoid restricting blood flow.
What's the difference between partial thickness and full thickness burns?
Partial thickness burns affect the first and second skin layers, often forming blisters and remaining painful. Full thickness burns extend through all skin layers, may appear white or charred, and often require surgical treatment. Both types require professional medical assessment.
