First Aid for burn injuries

Burns and scalds in young children often occur in the home and are usually caused by hot beverages, hot tap water, saucepans of hot liquids and boiling water in kettles.

If on fire

  • Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll
  • Smother the flames with a blanket
  • Move away from heat source

First aid for burn injuries

  • Protect your own safety at all times
  • For all burns apply cold running (tap) 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 as they can hold heat on the burn and jewellery can stop blood flow to the burn.
  • Seek medical attention for any burn bigger than a 20 cent coin, or that blisters or if there are any concerns.

Ensure that all adults in the household know and understand proper first aid. Where appropriate, children should be taught general first aid principles.

For further information on burn injuries

NSW Severe Burn Injury Service
Ph: (02) 9926 5641

Concord Hospital
Burns Unit
Ph: (02) 9767 7775

Children's Hospital at Westmead
Burns Unit
Ph: (02) 9845 1114

Royal North Shore Hospital
Burns Unit
Ph: (02) 9463 2111

In an Emergency Call Triple Zero (000)

A collaboration of Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Rural Fire Service