Burns and Scalds First Aid: The Complete Australian Guide

Burns and Scalds First Aid: The Complete Australian Guide

Part 1 – Understanding Burns, Scalds and Why Immediate First Aid Matters

Burns and scalds are among the most common injuries treated in homes, workplaces, schools and community settings across Australia. While many burns are minor and heal quickly, others can lead to serious complications including infection, permanent scarring, fluid loss, shock, breathing difficulties and even death.

The actions taken in the first few minutes after a burn occurs can significantly affect the outcome for the injured person. Immediate and correct first aid can reduce the depth of the burn, decrease pain, minimise tissue damage and improve healing outcomes.

Many Australians still rely on outdated or incorrect burn treatments such as applying ice, butter, toothpaste, creams or oils. Unfortunately, these methods can worsen tissue damage and increase the risk of complications. Evidence-based first aid recommendations now strongly focus on rapid cooling with cool running water and early medical assessment when required.

This guide provides an extensive overview of burns and scalds first aid in Australia, including:

• Understanding different types of burns
• How burns damage the body
• Recognising burn severity
• Immediate first aid treatment
• When to call an ambulance
• Special considerations for children and older adults
• Chemical, electrical and inhalation burns
• Burn prevention strategies
• Common myths and mistakes

What Is a Burn?

A burn is damage to body tissue caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation or friction. Burns most commonly affect the skin, but severe burns can also damage:

• Muscles
• Blood vessels
• Nerves
• Fat tissue
• Tendons
• Airways and lungs
• Internal organs

Burn injuries vary greatly in severity. A small superficial burn from touching a hot pan is very different from a large flame burn involving multiple body areas.

The severity of a burn depends on several factors including:

• The temperature involved
• The duration of exposure
• The type of heat source
• The area of the body affected
• The age and health of the casualty
• The depth and size of the burn

What Is a Scald?

A scald is a type of burn caused by hot liquids or steam. Scalds are especially common in:

• Young children
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Aged care settings
• Hospitality workplaces

Common causes of scalds include:

• Hot drinks
• Boiling water
• Tea and coffee
• Hot food
• Steam
• Cooking oil
• Bath water
• Kettles and saucepans

Scalds can sometimes appear less serious initially because the skin may remain intact, however they can still cause deep tissue damage.

Children are particularly vulnerable to severe scalds because their skin is thinner than adult skin and burns more deeply at lower temperatures.

Why Burns Are So Serious

The skin is the body’s largest organ and performs several critical functions including:

• Protecting against infection
• Regulating body temperature
• Preventing fluid loss
• Providing sensation
• Protecting internal organs

When skin is damaged by a burn, these protective functions become compromised.

Severe burns can rapidly lead to:

Fluid Loss

Burned tissue leaks fluid, which can result in dehydration and shock.

Infection

Damaged skin allows bacteria to enter the body more easily.

Heat Loss

Large burns interfere with temperature regulation.

Breathing Problems

Burns involving smoke, steam or hot gases may damage the airway and lungs.

Shock

Pain, fluid loss and tissue damage can result in circulatory collapse.

Long-Term Disability

Deep burns can cause:

• Scarring
• Contractures
• Reduced mobility
• Chronic pain
• Psychological trauma

Common Causes of Burns and Scalds in Australia

Burn injuries occur in many environments including homes, workplaces, schools, campsites and recreational areas.

Household Burns

The majority of burns occur in the home.

Common causes include:

• Hot drinks
• Cooking accidents
• Hot oil splashes
• BBQs
• Ovens and stovetops
• Hair straighteners
• Irons
• Hot water systems
• Candles
• Fireplaces

Workplace Burns

High-risk industries include:

• Hospitality
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Electrical trades
• Automotive industries
• Mining
• Laboratories
• Welding and metalwork

Workplace burns may involve:

• Flames
• Chemicals
• Steam
• Electricity
• Explosions
• Molten materials

Outdoor and Recreational Burns

Australian outdoor lifestyles increase exposure to:

• Campfires
• Fire pits
• BBQ plates
• Exhaust pipes
• Sunburn
• Bushfires
• Hot sand and pavement

Types of Burns

Burns are classified according to their cause.

Thermal Burns

These are caused by heat.

Examples include:

• Flames
• Hot liquids
• Steam
• Hot objects
• Explosions

Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury.

Scalds

Scalds are caused by hot liquids or steam.

Examples include:

• Tea or coffee spills
• Boiling water
• Hot bath water
• Soup or sauces
• Steam from kettles

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when corrosive substances damage tissue.

Common chemicals include:

• Acids
• Alkalis
• Bleach
• Oven cleaners
• Pool chemicals
• Industrial chemicals
• Cement

Chemical burns may continue causing damage until the chemical is fully removed.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns can be extremely dangerous because damage may occur internally even when the skin injury appears minor.

Electrical burns may cause:

• Cardiac arrest
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Muscle damage
• Nervous system injury

Sources include:

• Household electricity
• Faulty wiring
• Powerlines
• Lightning strikes

Friction Burns

These occur when skin rubs forcefully against a surface.

Examples include:

• Road rash from bicycles or motorcycles
• Treadmill injuries
• Rope burns

Friction burns combine abrasion and heat injury.

Radiation Burns

These include:

• Sunburn
• Radiation therapy burns
• UV exposure

Australia’s high UV levels make sunburn a significant health issue.

Understanding Burn Depth

Burns are also classified according to how deeply the tissue is damaged.

Correctly identifying burn depth helps determine appropriate treatment.

Superficial Burns

These affect only the outer layer of skin.

Features

• Red skin
• Painful
• Dry
• No blisters
• Mild swelling

Examples

• Mild sunburn
• Brief contact with a hot object

Healing Time

Usually heals within several days without scarring.

Partial Thickness Burns

These involve deeper skin layers.

Features

• Severe pain
• Blistering
• Moist appearance
• Red or mottled skin
• Swelling

Risks

• Infection
• Fluid loss
• Scarring

Healing Time

May take weeks to heal.

Some partial thickness burns require specialist treatment.

Full Thickness Burns

These destroy all layers of skin and may extend into deeper tissue.

Features

• White, brown or charred appearance
• Dry or leathery texture
• Reduced pain in the centre due to nerve destruction
• Surrounding areas may still be painful

Serious Complications

• Shock
• Infection
• Severe fluid loss
• Airway compromise

Treatment

These burns require urgent medical care and often surgery including skin grafting.

Burns Can Continue to Worsen After Injury

Many people assume burn damage stops once the heat source is removed. This is incorrect.

Heat continues spreading through tissues after the initial injury. Without rapid cooling, the burn can become deeper over time.

This is one of the main reasons why immediate cooling with cool running water is so important.

Proper first aid can significantly reduce:

• Burn depth
• Tissue destruction
• Pain
• Swelling
• Scarring

Why Cool Running Water Is Essential

Current Australian first aid recommendations strongly support cooling burns under cool running water for 20 minutes.

This is considered the gold standard first aid treatment for most burns.

Cooling helps by:

• Removing residual heat
• Limiting tissue damage
• Reducing swelling
• Relieving pain
• Improving healing outcomes

The earlier cooling begins, the more effective it is.

However, cooling may still provide benefit if commenced within several hours of injury.

Burns in Children Require Extra Caution

Children can deteriorate rapidly from burns due to:

• Smaller body size
• Thinner skin
• Greater fluid loss
• Higher risk of shock

Even burns that appear relatively small may be serious in infants and young children.

Common childhood burn hazards include:

• Hot drinks
• Bath water
• Kettles
• Hair straighteners
• Cup noodles
• Hot food spills

Childhood burns often occur suddenly and silently, particularly when hot liquids are pulled from benches or tables.

Older Adults and Burns

Older adults are also at increased risk of complications because:

• Skin becomes thinner with age
• Healing is slower
• Mobility may be reduced
• Medical conditions may complicate recovery

Even moderate burns can become serious in elderly casualties.

Psychological Impact of Burns

Burn injuries can be emotionally traumatic.

Some people experience:

• Anxiety
• Fear
• Depression
• PTSD
• Reduced confidence
• Body image concerns

Major burns may require lengthy rehabilitation and emotional support.

Key Takeaways From Part 1

• Burns and scalds are common but potentially serious injuries
• Immediate first aid significantly affects outcomes
• Burns continue damaging tissue after the initial injury
• Cool running water is the recommended first aid treatment
• Burns are classified by cause and depth
• Children and older adults are at higher risk of complications
• Severe burns can affect the entire body, not just the skin

Burns and Scalds First Aid: The Complete Australian Guide

Part 2 – Step-by-Step Burns First Aid Treatment

Correct first aid in the first few minutes after a burn injury can dramatically improve healing outcomes and reduce long-term complications.

Unfortunately, burns are also one of the injuries most affected by myths, outdated treatments and incorrect home remedies. Applying substances such as butter, toothpaste, oils or ice may actually worsen tissue damage and increase infection risk.

This section focuses on exactly what to do — and what not to do — when treating burns and scalds.

The Primary Goals of Burns First Aid

When managing a burn casualty, first aid aims to:

1. Stop the burning process
2. Cool the burn
3. Protect the burned area
4. Reduce pain and swelling
5. Prevent further injury or infection
6. Obtain medical assistance when required

DRSABCD and Burns

As with all emergencies, begin with a structured approach.

Danger

Check for hazards before approaching.

Potential dangers may include:

• Fire
• Electricity
• Hot oil
• Steam
• Chemicals
• Explosions
• Smoke
• Gas leaks

Never place yourself at risk while attempting a rescue.

Response

Check if the casualty is responsive.

Ask simple questions such as:

• “Can you hear me?”
• “What happened?”
• “Are you in pain?”

Send for Help

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if:

• The burn is severe
• The casualty has breathing difficulties
• The burn involves the airway or face
• Large areas are affected
• The casualty is a child or elderly person
• The burn is electrical or chemical
• There are signs of shock

Airway and Breathing

Burns involving smoke, flames or steam may damage the airway.

Look for signs including:

• Soot around the mouth or nose
• Singed facial hair
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing

Airway burns can worsen rapidly and are life-threatening.

Step 1 – Stop the Burning Process

The first priority is removing the source of heat or chemical exposure.

Thermal Burns

Remove the casualty from:

• Flames
• Hot liquids
• Steam
• Hot surfaces

If clothing is on fire:

Stop, Drop and Roll

The casualty should:

• STOP moving
• DROP to the ground
• ROLL to smother flames

You may also use:

• A fire blanket
• Heavy cotton blanket
• Water

Avoid synthetic materials which may melt.

Step 2 – Cool the Burn Immediately

This is the most important first aid treatment for most burns.

Use Cool Running Water for 20 Minutes

Place the burn under cool running water continuously for 20 minutes.

This should ideally begin immediately but may still help even if delayed.

Cooling works by:

• Removing residual heat
• Limiting burn depth
• Reducing tissue destruction
• Decreasing swelling
• Relieving pain

What Temperature Should the Water Be?

Use:

• Cool running tap water

Do NOT use:

• Ice
• Ice water
• Freezing water

Very cold temperatures can worsen tissue damage and increase the risk of hypothermia.

Why 20 Minutes Matters

Research has shown that prolonged cooling improves outcomes significantly.

Twenty minutes of cooling may:

• Reduce the need for skin grafts
• Improve healing time
• Decrease scarring
• Lower infection risk
• Reduce pain

Short periods of cooling are less effective.

If Running Water Is Not Available

If clean running water is unavailable, alternatives may include:

• Clean cool water poured continuously
• Wet towels replaced frequently

However, running water remains the preferred treatment.

Cooling Large Burns Safely

Large burns require careful management.

Excessive cooling may cause hypothermia, particularly in:

• Infants
• Young children
• Older adults
• Frail casualties

When cooling large burns:

• Cool the burn only
• Keep the rest of the casualty warm
• Use blankets on unaffected areas

Step 3 – Remove Constricting Items

Burned areas often swell rapidly.

Carefully remove:

• Rings
• Watches
• Bracelets
• Tight clothing
• Belts

Do this early before swelling worsens.

What About Clothing Stuck to the Burn?

Do NOT pull away clothing stuck to burned skin.

Removing adhered material may:

• Tear skin
• Increase bleeding
• Worsen tissue damage

Instead:

• Cut around the stuck material
• Leave adhered sections in place

Step 4 – Cover the Burn

After cooling, cover the burn loosely.

Suitable coverings include:

• Sterile non-stick dressings
• Clean cloth
• Plastic cling wrap (non-circumferential)

Covering the burn helps:

• Reduce pain
• Protect from infection
• Minimise air exposure
• Reduce contamination

Using Cling Wrap Correctly

Cling wrap is commonly used in Australian first aid because it:

• Is widely available
• Is non-stick
• Helps reduce pain

However:

• Lay it loosely over the burn
• Do NOT wrap tightly around limbs

Tight wrapping may restrict circulation if swelling develops.

Step 5 – Monitor the Casualty

Burn casualties can deteriorate unexpectedly.

Monitor for:

• Shock
• Breathing difficulties
• Reduced consciousness
• Increasing pain
• Signs of airway involvement

Recognising Shock in Burn Casualties

Shock is a life-threatening condition caused by inadequate circulation.

Signs include:

• Pale skin
• Cold clammy skin
• Rapid pulse
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Collapse

Large burns can rapidly lead to shock due to fluid loss.

Positioning the Casualty

If conscious:

• Lay them comfortably
• Elevate burned limbs if possible
• Keep them warm

If unconscious but breathing normally:

• Place in the recovery position

If not breathing normally:

• Commence CPR

Pain Management

Burns can be extremely painful.

Cooling with water is one of the most effective immediate pain relief measures.

Further pain management may involve:

• Reassurance
• Comfort positioning
• Medical assessment

Avoid applying creams or gels unless directed medically.

What NOT To Put on Burns

Many traditional remedies are now known to be harmful.

Do NOT apply:

• Ice
• Butter
• Toothpaste
• Oils
• Egg whites
• Flour
• Creams
• Ointments
• Powders
• Adhesive dressings

These substances may:

• Trap heat
• Increase tissue damage
• Cause infection
• Complicate medical treatment

Should Blisters Be Burst?

No.

Blisters help protect underlying tissue.

Do NOT:

• Pop blisters
• Peel skin
• Remove loose tissue

Broken blisters increase infection risk.

When to Call an Ambulance Immediately

Call Triple Zero (000) urgently for:

Airway Burns

Any burn involving:

• Face
• Mouth
• Nose
• Neck
• Smoke inhalation

Large Burns

Especially involving:

• Chest
• Abdomen
• Back
• Multiple limbs

Full Thickness Burns

Burns that appear:

• White
• Charred
• Brown
• Leathery

Electrical Burns

Even if the skin injury appears small.

Chemical Burns

Especially strong acids or alkalis.

Burns in Vulnerable People

Including:

• Infants
• Young children
• Elderly people
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic illness

Circumferential Burns

Burns completely surrounding:

• Arms
• Legs
• Fingers
• Chest

Swelling may restrict circulation or breathing.

Signs of Shock

Including:

• Collapse
• Pale clammy skin
• Rapid pulse
• Confusion

Burns That Require Medical Assessment

Even if not immediately life-threatening, seek medical care for burns involving:

• Hands
• Feet
• Face
• Genitals
• Major joints

These areas are functionally important and may scar badly.

Special Considerations for Facial Burns

Facial burns can rapidly become dangerous due to swelling.

Potential complications include:

• Airway obstruction
• Eye injury
• Inhalation injury

Always seek urgent medical assessment for facial burns.

Eye Burns

Eye burns require immediate irrigation.

Chemical Eye Burns

Flush continuously with clean running water for at least 20 minutes.

Ensure runoff does not contaminate the other eye.

Urgent medical care is essential.

Electrical Burns – Why They Are Dangerous

Electrical injuries may cause severe internal damage despite minor external burns.

Electricity can damage:

• Heart
• Muscles
• Nerves
• Internal organs

Always seek medical assessment after electrical burns.

Low Voltage vs High Voltage

Even household electricity can be dangerous.

High-voltage injuries are extremely serious and may involve:

• Cardiac arrest
• Internal burns
• Explosive injuries

Never approach a casualty until the power source is isolated.

Managing Chemical Burns

Chemical burns continue causing damage while the chemical remains present.

First Aid for Chemical Burns

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Wear PPE if available
3. Remove contaminated clothing
4. Flush continuously with water for at least 20 minutes
5. Avoid contaminating yourself
6. Seek medical care

Powder Chemicals

Dry chemicals should be brushed off before flushing with water.

Water may activate some powders and worsen burns.

Inhalation Burns

Breathing hot gases, steam or smoke can severely damage airways.

Signs include:

• Hoarse voice
• Soot around mouth
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing

These casualties require urgent emergency care.

Burns and Infection Risk

Burned skin cannot protect the body effectively.

Watch for infection signs including:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Pus
• Fever
• Worsening pain

Seek medical advice if infection develops.

Common Burns First Aid Mistakes

Using Ice

Ice may worsen tissue damage.

Applying Creams Immediately

Creams trap heat in tissue.

Using Adhesive Dressings

These may damage skin when removed.

Delaying Cooling

Immediate cooling is critical.

Underestimating Scalds

Scalds can cause deep burns, especially in children.

Key Takeaways From Part 2

• Cool running water for 20 minutes is the recommended first aid treatment
• Remove jewellery and tight clothing early
• Cover burns loosely with a sterile dressing or cling wrap
• Do not apply ice, creams, butter or toothpaste
• Seek urgent medical care for severe, facial, electrical or chemical burns
• Burns can worsen after the initial injury
• Monitor closely for shock and airway compromise

Burns and Scalds First Aid: The Complete Australian Guide

Part 3 – Special Types of Burns, High-Risk Situations and Advanced Considerations

Not all burns are treated exactly the same way. While cool running water remains the foundation of first aid for many burns, certain types of burns involve additional dangers and require specialised management.

This section explores:

• Chemical burns
• Electrical burns
• Lightning strikes
• Steam burns
• Friction burns
• Tar burns
• Sunburn and radiation burns
• Burns in babies and children
• Workplace burn injuries
• Major burn complications
• Hospital treatment of severe burns

Understanding these specialised burn types is essential because some injuries that initially appear minor can rapidly become life-threatening.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when corrosive substances damage skin, eyes, airways or internal tissue.

Unlike thermal burns, chemical burns may continue causing damage until the chemical is completely removed or neutralised.

This means tissue destruction can continue for prolonged periods if first aid is delayed.

Common Causes of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can occur in:

• Homes
• Schools
• Laboratories
• Factories
• Farms
• Construction sites
• Swimming pool maintenance
• Automotive workshops

Common chemicals include:

Acids

Examples:

• Battery acid
• Toilet cleaners
• Brick cleaners

Acids tend to cause coagulation injury, forming a hardened surface layer.

Alkalis

Examples:

• Oven cleaner
• Drain cleaner
• Cement
• Lime
• Caustic soda

Alkalis are often more dangerous because they penetrate deeply into tissue.

Oxidising Agents

Examples:

• Bleach
• Hydrogen peroxide

Industrial Chemicals

Examples:

• Solvents
• Degreasers
• Fertilisers
• Laboratory chemicals

Recognising Chemical Burns

Symptoms vary depending on the chemical involved.

Common features include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Blistering
• Skin discolouration
• Tissue destruction
• Swelling
• Eye irritation
• Difficulty breathing (if inhaled)

Some chemicals may cause delayed pain despite severe damage.

First Aid for Chemical Burns

Step 1 – Ensure Scene Safety

Protect yourself first.

Chemical exposure can easily injure rescuers.

Use PPE if available:

• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Mask
• Protective clothing

Avoid direct contact with the chemical.

Step 2 – Remove the Chemical Source

Quickly remove:

• Contaminated clothing
• Jewellery
• Shoes

Take care not to spread contamination.

Step 3 – Brush Off Dry Chemicals

Powder chemicals should be brushed off before applying water.

Examples include:

• Lime
• Cement powder
• Some industrial chemicals

Adding water immediately to certain powders may worsen injury.

Step 4 – Irrigate Continuously With Water

Flush the affected area with copious running water for at least 20 minutes.

Longer irrigation may be required for strong chemicals.

Ensure contaminated runoff does not spread to:

• Other skin areas
• Other people
• Yourself

Eye Chemical Burns

Chemical eye burns are medical emergencies.

Immediate Treatment

1. Hold eyelids open
2. Flush continuously with clean running water
3. Continue for at least 20 minutes
4. Remove contact lenses if possible
5. Seek urgent medical care

Vision can be permanently lost if irrigation is delayed.

Hydrofluoric Acid Burns

Hydrofluoric acid is particularly dangerous because:

• It penetrates deeply
• It affects calcium levels
• It can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances

These burns require urgent specialist care.

Cement Burns

Wet cement can cause severe alkali burns.

These burns are common among:

• Tradies
• Concreters
• Construction workers

The danger is often underestimated because symptoms may develop gradually.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns can appear deceptively minor externally while causing severe internal injury.

Electricity travels through the body and may damage:

• Heart
• Muscles
• Nerves
• Blood vessels
• Internal organs

Why Electrical Burns Are Dangerous

Electrical injuries may result in:

• Cardiac arrest
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Respiratory arrest
• Deep tissue destruction
• Fractures from muscle contractions

Even low-voltage household electricity can be fatal.

Common Causes of Electrical Burns

Household Electricity

Examples:

• Faulty appliances
• Damaged power cords
• DIY electrical work

Workplace Electrical Injuries

Examples:

• Contact with live wires
• Industrial machinery
• Switchboards
• Construction site incidents

High Voltage Injuries

These are extremely dangerous and often involve:

• Arc flashes
• Explosions
• Deep burns
• Multiple trauma

First Aid for Electrical Burns

Step 1 – Ensure the Power Is Isolated

Do NOT touch the casualty until power is disconnected.

Potential methods include:

• Switching off mains power
• Unplugging equipment
• Using emergency isolation switches

If unable to isolate safely:

• Stay clear
• Call emergency services immediately

Step 2 – Assess Responsiveness and Breathing

Electrical injuries commonly cause cardiac arrest.

If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

• Commence CPR immediately
• Apply an AED if available

Step 3 – Cool Visible Burns

After ensuring scene safety:

• Cool burns with running water for 20 minutes

However, remember that internal injuries may be much worse than external burns suggest.

Step 4 – Seek Medical Assessment

All electrical burns require medical evaluation.

Even seemingly minor shocks may cause delayed complications.

Lightning Strike Injuries

Lightning strikes are a specialised form of electrical injury.

Australia experiences frequent lightning storms, especially during summer.

Lightning injuries may cause:

• Cardiac arrest
• Respiratory arrest
• Burns
• Neurological injury
• Hearing damage
• Trauma from blast effects

Myths About Lightning Victims

Lightning casualties do NOT retain electrical charge.

It is safe to touch them once the strike has occurred.

Immediate CPR can save lives.

Steam Burns

Steam burns can be more severe than dry heat burns because steam transfers heat efficiently and penetrates deeply.

Common causes include:

• Kettles
• Pressure cookers
• Steam cleaners
• Industrial steam systems

Steam burns often affect:

• Face
• Airways
• Hands

Airway Risks With Steam Burns

Steam inhalation may cause:

• Swelling
• Breathing difficulties
• Airway obstruction

Watch for:

• Hoarse voice
• Wheezing
• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing

These casualties require urgent medical care.

Friction Burns

Friction burns combine:

• Heat injury
• Abrasion

Common examples include:

• Motorcycle crashes
• Bicycle accidents
• Treadmill injuries
• Rope burns

Treating Friction Burns

Management includes:

• Cooling with water
• Cleaning debris carefully
• Covering with sterile dressing
• Monitoring for infection

Embedded dirt or gravel may require medical cleaning.

Tar Burns

Hot tar sticks to the skin and continues burning while hot.

Important Principle

Do NOT forcibly remove hardened tar.

Instead:

1. Cool immediately with water
2. Leave tar in place
3. Seek medical care

Medical professionals may use specialised substances to remove tar safely.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns include:

• Sunburn
• Radiation therapy burns
• Industrial radiation exposure

Sunburn in Australia

Australia’s UV exposure is among the highest in the world.

Severe sunburn increases risk of:

• Skin cancer
• Dehydration
• Heat illness
• Premature skin ageing

Symptoms of Sunburn

Mild Sunburn

• Redness
• Warm skin
• Tenderness

Severe Sunburn

• Blistering
• Swelling
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea

First Aid for Sunburn

Treatment includes:

• Moving out of the sun
• Cooling showers
• Cool compresses
• Hydration
• Loose clothing

Do NOT break blisters.

Seek medical care for:

• Extensive blistering
• Fever
• Signs of dehydration
• Severe pain

Burns in Babies and Children

Children are at especially high risk of severe burns because:

• Their skin is thinner
• Burns penetrate deeper
• They lose heat rapidly
• They deteriorate quickly

Common Childhood Burn Hazards

Hot Drinks

One of the most common causes.

A hot coffee can cause severe burns within seconds.

Bath Water

Young children may suffer deep scalds rapidly.

Always test water temperature before bathing.

Hair Straighteners and Curling Irons

These remain hot for prolonged periods after use.

Cooking Areas

Children pulling hot liquids from benches is extremely common.

Special Considerations in Children

Children with burns may require:

• Early ambulance involvement
• Careful temperature management
• Specialist paediatric burns care

Even relatively small burns can become serious.

Burns in the Workplace

Burn injuries are a major workplace hazard across many Australian industries.

High-risk sectors include:

• Hospitality
• Construction
• Electrical trades
• Manufacturing
• Laboratories
• Mining
• Automotive industries

Workplace Burn Prevention

Important controls include:

• PPE
• Training
• Safe work procedures
• Electrical safety
• Chemical handling procedures
• Hot work permits
• Emergency eyewash stations

Major Burn Complications

Severe burns affect the entire body.

Infection

Burned skin cannot protect against bacteria effectively.

Infection remains a major cause of complications.

Hypovolaemic Shock

Large burns cause fluid leakage from damaged tissue.

This can result in:

• Low blood pressure
• Organ failure
• Shock

Airway Compromise

Swelling from inhalation burns may obstruct breathing.

Hypothermia

Burn casualties lose body heat rapidly.

Even while cooling burns, preventing hypothermia is essential.

Compartment Syndrome

Severe swelling may compress blood vessels and nerves.

This is especially dangerous in circumferential burns.

Psychological Trauma

Major burns may result in:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Social isolation

Psychological recovery is often long-term.

Hospital Treatment for Severe Burns

Major burns often require specialised burns unit management.

Treatment may include:

• IV fluids
• Oxygen
• Pain relief
• Airway management
• Surgery
• Skin grafts
• Infection control
• Intensive care

Skin Grafts

Deep burns may require skin grafting.

Healthy skin is transplanted to damaged areas to:

• Improve healing
• Reduce scarring
• Restore function

Rehabilitation After Burns

Recovery from major burns may involve:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Pressure garments
• Scar management
• Psychological support

Rehabilitation may continue for months or years.

Key Takeaways From Part 3

• Chemical burns require prolonged irrigation and scene safety
• Electrical burns may cause severe internal injuries
• Steam and inhalation burns can rapidly threaten the airway
• Children are highly vulnerable to severe burns
• Sunburn can become medically serious
• Major burns affect the entire body, not just the skin
• Severe burns often require specialised burns unit treatment

Frequently Asked Questions – Burns and Scalds First Aid