Prevention is better than cure, so stay safe this bonfire night. But if someone was to get burnt remember the following simple steps:
Cool it down– use water to cool the burnt area. The cooling should continue for a few minutes at least, but more typically 10 minutes to ensure the area is really cool.
Cover it up– cover the burnt area with something clean and hopefully sterile. In emergencies a wet towel is often used, but ensure whatever is used will not stick to the burnt area and that it isn’t wrapped to tight- burnt hands and limbs often swell up.
If outside be careful that only the burnt area is cooled and that the person isn’t soaked, they will often get very cold, very quick.
If the burn is blistered or any clothing or material is stuck to the burnt area, do not interfere with this, just cover over the top.
Anything but the smallest of burns should be treated seriously, particularly in children. A rough guide in adults is any burn[s] the size of the persons hand or bigger, or in a child – bigger than a 50 pence piece should beย professionally assessed.