First aid for burn injuries
What can you do to help reduce the effects of a burn injury?
- Ensure that all adults in the household know and understand proper first aid.
- Teach children the general first aid principles.
First aid
If on fire:
- Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll
- Smother the flames with a blanket
- Move away from heat source
Protect your own safety at all times
For all burns apply cold running water:
- For at least 20 minutes
- If running water not available, wet 2 cloths and alternate them onto the burn every 2 minutes
- Keep the rest of the body warm
Do NOT use ice, butter, creams, etc.
Remove clothing and jewellery
- Clothing can hold heat on the burn
- If swelling occurs jewellery can stop blood flow to the burn
Seek medical attention
- For any burn bigger than 20c piece size, or that blisters
- If there are any concerns
For Further Information on Burn Injuries
NSW Severe Burn Injury Service
Ph: (02) 9926 5641
Concord Hospital
Adult Unit
Ph: (02) 9767 7776
Children's Hospital at Westmead
Pediatric Unit
Ph: (02) 9845 1114
Royal North Shore Hospital
Adult Unit
Ph: (02) 9926 8940
Printable factsheet
First aid for burn injuries (PDF, 33Kb)
In an Emergency Call Triple Zero (000)
A collaboration of the Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Rural Fire Service