If your child is burned it’s important that you administer first aid as quickly as possible. Getting the burn under cool or lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes can mean the difference between lifelong scarring and a child who heals well.
The key steps for burns first aid are:
- Remove clothing, nappies and jewellery
- Cool the burn for at least 20 minutes with cool (not cold) running water
- Cover the cooled burn with loose cling film, a plastic bag or a clean non-fluffy cloth. Don’t cover the face
- Put nothing else on the burn as this will stop it healing
- Give painkillers
- Get medical advice for a burn bigger than a 50p coin.
Remember to cool the burn not the person. Keep the rest of your child warm while you cool the burn.
