# Burn or scald

• Do not apply lotions, ointments, fat or ice to a burn.

• Do not touch the injured areas or burst any blisters.

• Do not remove anything sticking to the burn.

• If the burn is larger than a 20 cent piece, or deep, seek medical aid.

Signs and symptoms Superficial burns The area is: • red

• very painful

• blistered. Deep burns The area is:

• mottled red and white

• dark red or pale yellow

• painful

• blistered. Full thickness burns The area:

• is white or charred

• feels dry and leathery.

• Because the nerves are destroyed, the pain will not be as great as in a superficial burn.

What to do If the patient’s clothing is on fire 1 Stop the patient from moving around. 2 Drop the patient to the ground and cover or wrap them in a blanket or similar, if available. 3 Roll the patient along the ground until the flames are extinguished. 4 Manage the burn.

For all burns 1 Follow DRSABCD. 2 If the burn is severe or if it involves the airway, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. 3 As soon as possible, hold the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes. 4 Remove any clothing and jewellery from the burnt area, unless they are stuck to the burn. 5 Cover the burn with a light, loose nonstick dressing, preferably clean, dry, non-fluffy material (eg plastic cling film). 6 Continue to check the patient for shock, and treat if necessary. A ‘cold’ burn is actually tissue damage from extreme cold, thus treatment is different from thermal burns. See the fact sheet on frost bite.