Minor Burns

Burns are fairly common and to remember how they are caused, you may want to use the mnemonic CIDERS.

C

CHEMICAL – It’s critical to identify the chemical as this will determine how it is treated.

I

ICE – Examples are frostbite, high velocity winds or the use of cold ice packs.

D

DRY – Examples are friction burns, fire or a burn from an iron.

E

ELECTRICAL – Remember to isolate the power before treating the casualty.

R

RADIATION – This could be caused by x-ray or more commonly, sunburn.

S

SCALDS – These are the most common caused by steam.

Classification of Burns

The severity of the burn will depend on the depth and size.

A superficial burn is where the outer layer (epidermis) of skin has become tender and inflamed.

A partial thickness burn typically affects the second layer (dermis) of skin and differs from a superficial burn because is causes blistering and is more painful.

A full thickness burn affects all three layers of the skin and causes charred (blackened) skin with waxy, fatty deposits.  This is typically caused by extreme heat such as a house fire or lightning strike and will cause damage to the nerves.

All full thickness burns need immediate medical treatment.  If a partial thickness burns is larger than 1% of the body’s total surface area (5% for a superficial burn), they must go to hospital.1

Hospital Treatment

This is essential if:

  • The casualty is a child or elderly
  • The casualty has burnt their:
    • Face or throat
    • Hands or feet
    • Genitals
  • The burn extends around or onto another limb
  • They are in pain

Treating a Burn

Most burns can be treated by running the affected area under cool running water for a minimum of 20 minutes.

For chemical burns you must identify the chemical as some react with water (such as lime in cement dust).  In this instance you may need to brush the chemical off the skin.

For all burns you should:

  • Wear gloves
  • Ensure the area is safe
  • Loosen or remove any jewellery2
  • Cover the burn with a sterile non-fluffy dressing.  Cling film is one of the best things to use as it sticks to itself and helps to retain the moisture in the skin.
  • Monitor the casualty for signs of hypovolaemic shock.

You should never:

  • Apply any creams, ointments or fat (i.e butter) to the affected area.
  • Burst any blisters that have formed
  • Apply an adhesive dressings
  • Peel anything (i.e. clothes) that is stick to the affected area.

You may decide to purchase designated burns kits depending on your risk assessment of first aid needs.

1 1% of the body’s surface area is roughly the palm of the casualty’s hand.
2 If you cannot easily remove jewellery, leave it alone to avoid further injury.

Created: 21 October 2024
Last Modified: 21 October 2024
Author: Phil Newton

Version: Version: 1.00