BAD BURN? SIT UP — AND DON’T USE A PLASTER

THE immediate treatment for any kind of burn is as follows:

STOP the burning. This might mean dousing a fire, smothering burning clothes or removing the person from the source of the burning.

REMOVE clothing or jewellery near the burned area, unless it’s stuck to the burned skin, in which case leave it.

PLACE the burn under cool running water for at least ten minutes. If this isn’t possi- ble, use whatever cool liquids you have.

WRAP the burn in clingfilm, or place a plastic bag over it. It keeps the injury moist (cool running water can still be applied over clingfilm), and the clingfilm also keeps the wound clean. If that’s not available, use a sterile, non-fluffy dressing. Don’t use anything adhesive — no plasters or tape.

DON’T use any creams or ointments and don’t pop any blisters that form.

GET some water inside the casualty. Burns will cause fluid loss, which you don’t need. IF THE face is burned, sit up: this will reduce swelling. You need to get to a hospital quickly if: IT’S a large superficial or partial-thickness burn: bigger than a hand size. IT’S a full-thickness burn (you can identify these by white or charred skin). THE burn is on the face, over a major joint, or on the hands, feet or genitals. THE burn blisters badly.