First aid tips
Cooling a burn: how long and how?
Cool a burn for 20 minutes under cool running water. What to do and what not to do, and when to call 112 or see a doctor, based on the ERC first aid guidance.
A hot pan, steam from a machine, a splash of boiling water: burns happen fast, in the office and on site. The most important step is simple: cooling the burn. But for how long, and how exactly?
Cooling a burn: 20 minutes
Follow these steps:
- Move the person away from the heat source. Mind your own safety too.
- Cool for 20 minutes under cool running water. Not less, even if the pain seems to ease sooner.
- Remove rings and jewellery, if you can do so without them sticking to the skin. A burn can swell.
- Cover loosely with a sterile dressing or cling film.
What not to do
- No butter.
- No ointment.
- No ice.
They are old home remedies, but they do not help. Cool running water is the right choice.
Watch out for hypothermia
Cooling matters, but with a large burned area and with children, the body can cool down too much. Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, and keep the rest of the body warm.
When to call 112 or see a doctor
Get professional help for:
- a large burn;
- a burn on the face, hands, feet, joints or genitals;
- injury to the airways, for example after inhaling smoke;
- an electrical burn;
- a chemical burn.
In doubt? Call 112. The operator will help you further.
Chemical burn: rinse with plenty of water
With a chemical burn, rinsing with plenty of water is central. ActiBox has a separate action card for this: Chemical burn. You can view that card freely on our action cards page.
Different risks, different preparation
On a building site or in a kitchen, the risk of burns is higher than in an office. That calls for tailored preparation. Read First aid in the office versus on site. And think about your fire prevention too: First intervention team: required for every employer.
The steps at hand
Twenty minutes of cooling feels long. Under stress, people often stop too early. An action card on the wall reminds everyone of the right approach.
Want your team to practise this? Request a quote.
Source: European Resuscitation Council – First Aid infographics
The right action, straight away?
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