Burns

A burn causes the partial or complete destruction of skin. There are two layers of the skin. Once the skin is burnt, the extent of damage can be minimised by effective immediate first aid treatment.

Signs and symptoms

  • Pain around the burnt area

  • Localised blistering to the skin

  • Red to black marks around the area burnt

  • Evidence of inhalation burns, e.g. Burns to face, nasal hairs eyebrows or blackness around nose and mouth, coughing, hoarse voice and breathing difficulty

  • Significant burns (large area or severe skin damage)

First aid

Important - Airway, breathing, circulation, take precedent over caring for the burn. An ambulance must be called if the casualty is a child or for significant or severe burns.

  • Ensure safety – i.e. Do not enter a burning building or toxic atmosphere. If still on fire – stop, drop, cover and roll, smother flames with a blanket

  • Assess responsiveness, shock and vital signs, check for other injuries, prioritise and treat

  • If waiting for an ambulance, keep the casualty at rest, warm and monitor. Watch for cardiac arrest, be prepared for CPR

Meirav Dulberg