1. Stop the burning. Put out flames or remove the victim from the source of the burn.
2. Cool the burn with large amounts of cool running water for approximately 20 minutes.
3. After cooling, cover the burn with a clean, non-linting dressing or cling film and do not apply pressure. Bandage loosely and seek medical advice.
N.B. When a serious burn has occurred, shock may be present.
4. For minor burns, cool the burned area with cool running water. After cooling, a burn gel may be applied. Cover the wound with a non-adherent dressing and secure with tape or bandage loosely.
Chemical Burn, e.g. Acid or solvent is split onto exposed skin
1. Call an ambulance (DIAL 111) for medical assistance in any case of a chemical burn.
2. Flush area immediately. Remove any chemical contaminated clothing and continue to flush the affected area with large amounts of cool running water until the ambulance arrives.
Electrical Burn, eg. Electric shock from equipment being used
1. Call an ambulance in any case of an electrical burn.
2. Do not go near the victim unless you are sure the power source has been turned off.
3. If the victim is unconscious, check airway, breathing and circulation. Check for other injuries, and do not move the victim because he or she may have spinal injuries.
4. Cover an electrical burn with a dry, sterile dressing. Do not cool the burn.
5. Prevent the victim from getting chilled.
6. There may be two wounds, one where the current entered the body and one where it left, and they may be deep.
7. Electrical burns can be caused by power lines, lightning, defective electrical equipment, and unprotected electrical outlets.
Solar Radiation Burn, eg. You fall asleep in the sun and get very sunburnt
1. Burns caused by solar radiation are usually red, painful and may
also blister.
2. Cool the burn. Burn specific products which contain Aloe Vera or
Solarcain are available to help reduce the pain of sunburn.
3. Protect the burn by staying out of the sun. If you must go out into the sun, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply it frequently.
4. Be sure to cover up any existing sunburn with clothing if you are going to be outside again.