First Aid Guides
Burns
What to do if you or someone else suffers a burn
Burns are injuries to the skin that are caused by heat. It can be from flames, friction, the sun, hot liquids, electricity and certain chemicals.
All burns require immediate first aid. Deep and full thickness burns require urgent medical attention.
Read more about what causes a burn.
Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
What to do if clothing is still on fire
If clothing is still on fire, it’s time to STOP-DROP-ROLL.
Make sure you remove flammable materials before helping.
- STOP the person from moving around so you can help them
- DROP or get them onto the ground and wrap them in a non-flammable blanket or something similar
- ROLL the person along the ground until the flames have been put out
- Send for help or call Triple Zero (000) and follow the DRSABCD Action plan
What not to do
- Peel off clothing that's stuck to the skin
- Use ice or iced water to cool a burn
- Apply lotions, ointments, creams or butter
- Break any blisters
First Aid for a burn
Figure out what type of burn the person has. Call Triple Zero (000) if the person has:
- Burned their hands, feet, face or genitals
- Suffered a burn to their airway
- Has a deep burn
- The burned area is larger than a 20 cent coin on an adult or a 10 cent coin on a child
Once you have identified the burn, do the following.
Step 1: Cool the burn with cold running water for 20 minutes
- Start cooling the burned area as quickly as possible
- Hold the burn under cool running water for up to 20 minutes
- Do not use icy water or ice
Step 2: Remove clothing or other items from the area
- Before the burned area begins to swell, remove jewellery or clothing
- Do not remove clothing or items that are stuck to the burn. This should only be done by a medical professional
Step 3: Cover the burned area
- Once the burn has cooled, loosely cover with a clean, dry non-stick dressing
- If you do not have an appropriate dressing, you can use cling wrap
- Do not use fluffy materials or apply ice, creams or gels
Step 4: Monitor them
- Ask the person how they are, reassure them, and look for any signs they could be in shock
- Seek medical advice if unsure of the severity of the burn
