Burns can happen anywhere — in the kitchen, at work, during recreation, or even outdoors. Knowing the right first aid steps can reduce pain, prevent infection, and improve healing outcomes. Quick action is critical because burns break the skin barrier, increasing infection risk if not treated promptly.

This comprehensive guide covers burn types, first aid procedures, complications, first aid kit essentials, and when to seek medical attention (including the “20‑cent piece” rule)

 What Are Burns?

A burn is an injury to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Fast and proper first aid lowers the likelihood of complications such as infection or scarring

Types of Burns

Understanding burn depth helps determine whether home care or medical treatment is needed.

🔥 First‑Degree Burns (Superficial)

Affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Signs:

• Redness
• Pain
• No blistersExamples: Mild sunburn, quick contact with a hot object.

🔥🔥 Second‑Degree Burns (Partial Thickness)

Involve the epidermis and dermis. Signs:

• Blisters
• Red or swollen skin
• Moist/wet appearance
• Significant pain

🔥🔥🔥 Third‑Degree Burns (Full Thickness)

Damage all skin layers and sometimes underlying tissues. Signs:

• White, charred, or leathery skin
• Little or no pain (nerve damage)
• No blisters

Special Types of Burns

• Thermal burns: From flame, hot liquids, steam.
• Chemical burns: From acids/alkalis; tissue damage may worsen over time.
• Electrical burns: Can cause severe internal injury with minimal surface damage.

Recognising Burn Severity Seek urgent care for:

• Deep burns
• Burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints
• Chemical or electrical burns
• Smoke inhalation (e.g., hoarse voice, soot around mouth)

Burns may appear mild at first but worsen if deeper layers are affected.

Step‑by‑Step Burns First Aid

✅  Stop the Burning Process

Remove the victim from the heat source or eliminate the cause (e.g., turn off electricity, remove chemicals).

✅  Cool the Burn

Cool under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Do NOT use ice, which can worsen tissue damage.

✅ Remove Constrictive Items

Take off rings, watches, and tight clothing before swelling worsens.

✅  Cover the Burn

Use a clean, non-stick, sterile dressing or cloth. This protects against dirt and infection.

✅  Manage Pain

Use OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

❌ What NOT to Do

• Ice (causes skin damage)
• Butter, oils, toothpaste (trap heat)
• Breaking blisters
• Delaying medical care for large or deep burns

First Aid for Specific Burn Types

4. Chemical Burns

• Remove contaminated clothing.
• Brush off dry chemicals first.
• Rinse with cool water for 10–20 minutes minimum.Chemical burns continue damaging tissue over time — always seek medical attention.

Electrical Burns

• Ensure the power source is switched OFF.
• Do NOT cool with water.
• Cover burn with a dry cloth and call emergency services.

Electrical burns can cause hidden internal injuries — always treat as an emergency.

Thermal Burns

• Cool with water.
• Remove restrictive items.
• Cover and monitor.

When to Seek Medical Attention (Important Guide)

Seek medical help immediately if:

🚨 1. Burn Is Larger Than a 20‑Cent Piece

Any burn larger than this is too big for home care due to increased risks of infection, deeper tissue involvement, and complications.

This is an important general‑public guideline widely used in first aid education.

🚨 2. Burn Is in a High‑Risk Area

Face, hands, feet, eyes, groin, major joints.

🚨 3. It Is a Chemical or Electrical Burn

Requires immediate clinical assessment.

🚨 4. Signs of Infection

• Fever
• Increasing redness
• Pus
• Worsening pain

🚨 5. Smoke Inhalation or Airway Risk

Soot in mouth/nose, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing — all urgent red flags.

Possible Complications of Burns

Without proper care, burns may cause:

• Infection
• Scarring or contractures
• Dehydration
• Shock

Proper first aid greatly reduces these risks.

Burn Prevention Tips

Home Safety

• Turn pot handles inward.
• Keep hot drinks away from children.

Use sun protection outdoors. Electrical Safety

• Replace frayed cords.
• Avoid overloading outlets.
• Use outlet covers around children.

Chemical Safety

• Store chemicals securely.
• Never mix cleaning products (risk of toxic gases).

References (Australia & New Zealand)

1. Healthdirect Australia. “Burns and Scalds – First Aid, Treatments, Causes and Prevention.” Healthdirect Australia. [healthdirect.gov.au]
2. HealthyWA – Government of Western Australia. “Burns First Aid.” HealthyWA (WA Health). [healthywa.wa.gov.au]
3. Raising Children Network (Australia). “First Aid for Burns and Scalds: Children.” RaisingChildren.net.au. [raisingchi...ren.net.au]
4. St John Ambulance NSW. “Burns and Scalds – First Aid Guide.” St John Ambulance NSW. [stjohnnsw.com.au]
5. ANZCOR – Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation. “ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.3 – First Aid for Burns (March 2023).” Australian Resuscitation Council. [resus.org.au]
6. Coastal First Aid (Australia). “How to Treat a Burn – First Aid Guidelines (ANZCOR aligned).” Coastal First Aid. [coastalfir...aid.com.au]
7. Emergency First Aid Melbourne (Australia). “How to Treat Minor Burns at Home – First Aid Tip.” Emergency.com.au. [emergency.com.au]

Disclaimer:
This blog is a general guide only and doesn’t replace proper first aid training. Every situation is different, and having hands-on practice and up-to-date training makes a big difference in an emergency. To build real confidence and skills, we recommend completing a first aid course with Medisync Training