Burns and scalds

first aid

the burn is deep, even if the

patient does not feel any pain
a superficial burn is larger than
a 20 cent piece
the burn involves airway, face,
hands or genitals
you are unsure of the severity
of the burn.

Do not:
apply lotions, ointment or
fat to burns
touch injured areas or
burst any blisters
remove anything sticking
to the burn
use ice.

What to do
1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Extinguish burning clothing:
STOP the patient from moving around
DROP/pull the patient to the ground with blanket
or similar
ROLL the patient along ground until flames
extinguished.
3. As soon as possible, hold the burnt area under
cool running water for 20 minutes, for thermal,
scalds, chemical, bitumen and electrical burns.
4. Remove jewellery and clothing from the burnt
area unless stuck to the burn.
5. Prevent infection by covering the burn wound
with a loose and light non-stick dressing,
preferably clean, dry, lint free (non-fluffy) material
e.g. plastic cling film.
6. Manage for shock.
7. Seek medical attention.

Hydrogel
If cool running water is not available, hydrogel may be used. Hydrogel, if exposed
to air and left in place for long periods, can be associated with the development of
hypothermia (extreme cold), especially in the elderly or young children.

SAVE A LIFE
WWW.STJOHN.ORG.AU 1300360455

Version Sept. 2014.

Seek medical aid

urgently if:

St John Ambulance Australia. St John first aid protocols are for the Australian market only. All care has been taken in preparing the information but St John takes no
responsibility for its use by other parties or individuals. This information is not a substitute for first aid training. St John recommends practical first aid training courses.

In a medical emergency,
call Triple Zero (000) for
an ambulance.