for adults – partial or full thickness burns over 10% of the body surface.There are national guidelines that help hospital emergency department staff decide whether you need care in a specialised burns unit. The medical treatment you will receive on admission to the hospital emergency department could include: heat loss (hypothermia) – since burnt skin is unable to properly regulate body temperature.hypovolaemia – loss of fluid from burnt skin.Some of the potential complications of major burns include: Immediately apply cold water to all affected areas and then call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Major burns are a medical emergency and require urgent treatment. Superficial burns require pain relief, dressings, and regular review to make sure they have not become infected.ĭo not apply anything other than water to second or third degree burns until they are fully cooled and medically assessed.Ī major burn is defined as a burn of any depth that involves more than 20 per cent of the total body surface area for an adult and more than 10 per cent of the total body surface area for a child.

Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.Ĭhemicals, such as acids and alkalis, must be washed off with running water for at least 20 minutes but take care not to splash the chemicals onto unaffected skin or other people. If necessary, prevent heat loss by covering unburnt areas.īurnt clothing should only be removed if it does not stick to the burn. Hold the burn under cold running water for 20 minutes. Remove the person from danger and further injury. An assessment of the extent of the burn is more important initially. The depth of a burn is not critical in the initial treatment of burns. It can be difficult to tell the difference between partial and full-thickness burns. However, surrounding partial thickness burns will be very painful. The nerve endings are generally destroyed and so there is little or no pain at the site of the full-thickness burn. Very deep burns may damage the underlying muscle or bone. The burn site generally appears black or charred with white exposed fatty tissue. Full thickness – involves damage to both the first and second skin layers, plus the underlying tissue.The burn site will be red, peeling, blistered and swelling with clear or yellow-coloured fluid leaking from the skin. Partial thickness – these burns cause damage to the first and second skin layers.Superficial – these burns cause damage to the first or top layer of skin only.Full thickness burns often require skin graft surgery. Partial and full thickness burns require urgent medical attention. In general, you should seek help for all 3rd degree burns and large 2nd degree burns, as well as for burns suffered by children and older adults.Burns can be caused by flames, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hot liquids, electricity, lightning and certain chemicals.Īll burns require immediate first aid treatment. 3rd Degree Burns: Charred skin, pain and loss of tissue.2nd Degree Burns: Redness, pain and blistering.Use pain medication as directed by your doctor. IMPORTANT: DO NOT use butter, grease, creams, sprays, burn ointments, or powders to treat a burn. If a blister breaks, ask your doctor for an antibiotic ointment to use, and cover the treated area with sterile gauze.Wash the burned area gently with liquid soap daily.An oozing burn can be covered as well and seek medical attention. Cover Burned Area: Place a clean, dry bandage, including gauze pads or a clean sheet.Remove Jewelry: Take off rings and jewelry from burned areas that may swell.If clothing sticks to the skin, leave it there and cut away the remaining fabric. Remove Clothing: Remove clothing from the burned area.Use the closest garden hose if you're outside. Stop the Burning Process: Rinse the burn in cool water, do not use ice.If you are burned, follow these steps to protect your skin: What should you do if you or a family member is burned? Most burns heal without scarring, but all require immediate care.

1st degree burn first aid