First aid for burns

Burns can be very serious, but prompt first aid will greatly reduce scarring or the need to go to the hospital. 

If your child has suffered from a burn, follow the below first aid procedure.  

  1. use cool running water for 20 minutes to cool the burn and stop the burning process.
  2. if possible, remove clothing and jewellery near the burn
  3. call Triple Zero (000) or get immediate help if it is larger than a 20 cent piece or blisters. 

Never use ice, iced water, cream, gel, toothpaste, butter or anything else on a burn. These products can make a burn worse. Burn creams do not cool the burn and must not be used in place of cool running water. Follow the steps above. 

Ice burns

Ice burns are a result of skin or tissue damage from exposure to extreme cold temperatures. The most common form of ice burn in the home would be from an ice pack being applied directly on the skin for an extended period of time. Preventing ice burns when dealing with a soft tissue injury can be managed through the following steps: 

  • use a layer of clothing or a tea towel between the ice and your child’s skin
  • do not leave ice packs or frozen items on your child’s injury for longer than 20 minutes
  • do not use ice packs when going to sleep at night
  • do not use ice packs or ice for sunburn, burns or scalds.

See Burn injuries fact sheet for more information.