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Whether you are a burn survivor, a caregiver, a healthcare worker, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, this page is for you. Here you will find first aid guidance, prevention tips, answers to common questions, and materials you can download and share.
Burn First Aid
What you do in the first few minutes after a burn matters enormously. Correct first aid can significantly reduce the severity of the injury and the length of recovery. Wrong first aid can make things much worse.
If a burn occurs, do this immediately:
- Remove the source of heat — move the person away from flames, hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical sources. Protect yourself first.
- Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes — start as soon as possible. Do not use ice, iced water, or cold packs.
- Remove jewellery and tight clothing near the burned area — before swelling begins. Do not remove anything stuck to the skin.
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-fluffy material — a clean cloth, cling film, or a clean plastic bag works well. Avoid cotton wool.
- Seek medical attention immediately — especially for burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints; burns larger than the palm of the hand; burns in children or the elderly; and any chemical or electrical burns.
What NOT to do — ever:
These are common but dangerous mistakes. They delay healing, increase infection risk, and can cause serious harm.
❌ Do not apply toothpaste — it traps heat and introduces bacteria
❌ Do not use butter, oil, egg white, or any food substance — these do the same
❌ Do not burst blisters — they are a natural barrier against infection
❌ Do not apply ice or ice water — this can cause further tissue damage
❌ Do not use cotton wool, fluffy towels, or adhesive bandages directly on the burn
❌ Do not give the person alcohol or aspirin for pain without medical guidance
When in doubt — cool it, cover it, and get to a hospital.
Burn Prevention Tips
Most burns happen at home, often in seconds, and often to children. Here is what you can do to reduce the risk.
In the Home
- Keep hot liquids — tea, soup, cooking oil — away from the edges of tables and counters where children can reach them
- Always turn pot handles inward on the stove so they cannot be grabbed or knocked over
- Never leave cooking unattended, even for a moment
- Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children at all times
- Check water temperatures before bathing young children — set your water heater to below 50°C where possible
- Use electrical appliances safely: do not overload sockets, replace frayed wires immediately, and keep electrical items away from water
- Store kerosene, fuel, and chemicals in clearly labelled, sealed containers out of reach of children
- Install a smoke detector and check the battery every six months
In Schools
- Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible, clearly marked, and regularly serviced
- Conduct fire safety drills at least twice a year — and take them seriously
- Teach children from an early age: Stop, Drop, and Roll
- Train teachers and school staff in basic burn first aid
- Keep science labs, kitchens, and workshops properly supervised at all times
In the Workplace
- Provide all staff with fire safety training during onboarding and annually thereafter
- Maintain clear, unobstructed emergency exits
- Ensure proper handling and labelling of chemicals and flammable materials
- Equip high-risk areas — kitchens, factories, labs — with appropriate fire suppression systems
- Appoint designated fire wardens and make sure everyone knows who they are
Burn Management
Understanding burns is the first step to fighting them. This resource from the World Health Organization covers everything from emergency response to long-term care, equipping you with knowledge that can save lives.
FAQ
You may want to know the answers to your hidden questions through these questions people ask regularly.
Building a safer and a better world for all.
Burns devastate lives in seconds, but prevention takes just a moment of care. Know the risks. Practice safe habits. Protect your family.