First aid

Good first aid following a burn or scald can make an enormous difference in recovery times and the severity of scarring. Two important things to remember are STOP, DROP, ROLL and COOL, CALL, COVER.

“Thank you K, for the 1st aid image that is always attached to your e-mails. It is as a result of this image, that I recently ensured my 1 year old had cool running water over his leg for 20 minutes (not the 5 minutes I thought it was). He had a scald to his leg from fresh boiling water. Initially the entire back of one of his legs was bright red. After first aid, and on re assessment in the Emergency Department, the only area affected was a non tense blister smaller than 1 cm. This has now healed with no scar.” Message of thanks from an Emergency Department Consultant

Advice

STOP DROP ROLL

Home Prevention

“Stop, drop, and roll” is used when clothing catches fire. Children can get confused about when to stop, drop, and roll. It is important to know when to do this. Children who do not have a good understanding of stop, drop, and roll will sometimes do this if they burn a finger or need to get outside if the smoke alarm sounds. Only use stop, drop, and roll when clothing catches fire.

A pdf of our HOT WATER BURNS LIKE FIRE leaflet containing safety and first aid guidance can be downloaded. If you would like a supply of these, please contact us.

COOL CALL COVER

FIRST AID ADVICE FROM THE BRITISH BURN ASSOCIATION

Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound).
Call for help for any burn larger than a 50p coin: 999, 111 or local GP for advice.
Cover with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm.

Click here for the complete British Burn Association First Aid Position Statement