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First aid

Burns and Scalds: Cool, Cover, Call

First aid for burns and scalds: stop the burning, cool under running water for 20 minutes, remove jewellery, cover with cling film and know when to get emergency help.

Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.

Fast cooling is the most effective burn treatment a bystander can give: it reduces pain, depth of injury and scarring — and it still helps up to three hours after the injury.

Steps

  1. Stop the burning. Move away from the heat source. If clothing is on fire: stop, drop and roll.
  2. Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 20 minutes. Keep the rest of the person warm to avoid hypothermia, especially children.
  3. Remove jewellery, watches and clothing near the burn — unless stuck to the skin.
  4. Cover loosely with cling film (laid on, not wrapped tightly) or a clean, non-fluffy dressing.
  5. Manage pain with standard over-the-counter painkillers if suitable for the person.

Do not

  • Use ice, iced water, butter, toothpaste, oils or creams.
  • Burst blisters.
  • Peel off clothing that is stuck.

Call your emergency number or go to hospital if

  • The burn is larger than the person's palm, or is deep (white, leathery or charred).
  • It affects the face, hands, feet, genitals or a joint, or goes all the way around a limb.
  • It was caused by chemicals, electricity or an explosion, or involved smoke inhalation (hoarse voice, coughing, soot around the mouth).
  • The person is a young child, older adult, pregnant, or has a medical condition.

Chemical burns: brush off dry chemicals, then rinse with large amounts of running water for at least 20 minutes. Electrical burns: switch off the power before touching the person.

Watch: Burns and scalds: first aid steps

Burns and scalds: first aid steps

Video hosted on YouTube by its original publisher; embedded for education.

Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction