Today is National Burn Awareness Day

Today is National Burn Awareness Day. This is an annual UK campaign from the British Burn Association (BBA) to raise awareness of the potential dangers at home and the workplace that may result in burn injury.

Children along with the elderly are especially vulnerable to burns and scalds as their skin is thinner and therefore burns quicker. 612 children a month require admission to an NHS Burns Service following a burn or scald injury. This figure only relates to the more serious injuries- it does not include the thousands seen by A&E departments.  The highest number of burns and scalds are due to hot drinks, a hot drink can still burn a child’s sensitive skin 15 minutes after being made.  Cookers, hair straighteners and hot fluids account for the majority of other burns.

First Aid treatment is simple and follows the three C’s:

COOL the injury with cold water (ideally running) for a minimum of 10 minutes.  If water isn’t available for minor burns begin cooling with a cold, harmless liquid (such as milk) and move to a tap as soon as you can.  Keep the casualty warm and take steps not to induce hypothermia, particularly in children or the elderly.  Remove loose clothing and jewellery but be careful not to remove anything that’s stuck to the burn.

 

CALL 999/112 if the burn appears severe of there has been smoke or fume inhalation.  For advice, or if you are unsure call 111, the national non-emergency number.

 

 

COVER the burn with a sterile dressing that won’t stick (cling film is ideal), a clean plastic bag or low adherent dressing or burns dressing.  If using cling film wrap loosely in place and secure with a bandage

 

 

For more information on Burns Click Here to visit the BBA website