Treatment of severe burns

• Ensure the area is safe, particularly from the source that created the burn
• Wear disposable gloves
• Start cooling the burn as quickly as possible with cold or cool running tap water for at least 20 minutes
• Call 999/112 and ask for an ambulance
• If it’s possible, remove any watches or jewellery around the affected area but do not remove if it will directly affect the burn
• Cover the burn with a suitable sterile dressing that is not fluffy. You can cover it with cling film if you have no appropriate dressing
• Treat the casualty for shock
• Monitor their condition throughout and await the emergency services

You must not:

• Apply any form of cream, ointment or fat to the affected area
• Burst any blister that may form
• Apply any form of adhesive dressing
• Remove anything that is stuck to the affected area