Burn First Aid

May 25, 2024 / by Medical Solution / in Burn First Aid
Cool with Running Water

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What’s the First Aid Process for Treating a Dry Burn?

Dry burns are caused by flames or hot objects. They can be painful, swelling and blistering wounds. So what’s best practice when it comes to burn First Aid?

1. Stop the Burning Process

  • Stop, Drop and roll the patient to put out any flames.
  • Cover the face to protect the airways.
  • Remove burnt clothing unless it is stuck to the wound.
  • Remove any jewellery, watches etc. before swelling occurs.

2. Cool with Running Water

Cooling the burn wound is an effective way of reducing pain and the depth of the burn.

  • Cool the area with cold running water for 20 minutes.
    (If they start to shiver, stop the irrigation.)
  • Where cool running water is not available, or after 20 minutes, it is useful to use a hydrogel burn gel on the burn wound.

A Note on Hydrogels

During your First Aid course you may have been told not to apply anything to the burn wound like butter, oil, or creams. This is because they trap heat and can worsen the injury. They are also not water-soluble and would have to be scraped off in the emergency ward. (Ouch!)

Hydrogels are water-based and therefore water-soluble, so they can be easily rinsed off. Hydrogel burn gels are cooling and analgesic, containing over 90% water and include Tea Tree oil as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

3. Cover the Burn

  • If the surface is blistered or raw, you will need to cover it with a sterile non-adherent dressing.
  • Don’t burst the blister!
  • There are also dressings available that are infused with hydrogels to continue the cooling process and begin a healing process.

Need more advice on burn products and burn First Aid?
Please contact us. If you’d like to book in for a First Aid course, visit www.safetytrainingsolution.com.au for course details.

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