Burns and scalds are among the most serious and painful of injuries. They can be caused by a number of factors including fire, water, electricity, oils, hot surfaces, steam, chemicals and radiation.
When to send a casualty to hospital
Every year in the UK, around 175,000 people attend hospital accident and emergency departments for burns injuries.
People who may be at greater risk from the effects of burns, such as children under five years of age and pregnant women, should seek medical attention after a burn or scald.