19/12/2025
How to treat a burn: A First Aid response!
Burns represent a common and painful injury that can lead to serious complications such as infection, permanent scarring, and even death. Those most at risk include young children, older adults, and people working in environments with heat, flames, or chemicals—each group faces unique dangers due to their skin sensitivity and slower reflexes. Immediate and correct first aid is critical to improving outcomes and reducing the chance of lasting damage, with recent research confirming that proven steps make a significant difference.
The latest advice for managing burns is to quickly remove loose clothing and jewelry (nothing stuck to the burn should be touched) and to cool the affected area under running tap water between 2 and 15 degrees Celsius for a full 20 minutes. Ice or ice water should be avoided because it increases the risk of hypothermia, especially in larger injuries. Afterwards, wrap the burn in cling film and seek medical help if the person affected is very young, elderly, or the burn is large, blistered, or caused by chemicals or electricity. Treating the burn quickly—even within 45 minutes—still brings benefits, but the sooner, the better.
Key Points:
✔️ Use cool running tap water to treat burns for 20 minutes; do not use ice.
✔️ Remove loose clothing and jewelry, but leave anything stuck to the skin.
✔️ Cling film is ideal for covering the cooled burn area; avoid gels except when water isn’t available.
✔️ Seek emergency help for large burns, those on sensitive areas (face, hands, feet), blisters, burns in children/elderly, or those from chemicals/electricity.
✔️ Quick action dramatically reduces tissue and scarring and improves recovery.
Ready to take action? Visit us at www.getcertifiednow.co.uk to book your certified first aid course and empower your team with basic life saving skills today!