- Follow DRSABCD – see below
- Extinguish burning clothing:
- STOP DROP AND ROLL
- pull patient to ground
- wrap in blanket, jacket or similar
- roll patient along ground until flames extinguished
- if a scald, quickly remove patient’s wet clothing from affected area.
- Hold burnt area under cold running water for 20 minutes, for:
- thermal
- scalds
- chemical
- bitumen
- electrical
- Remove jewellery and clothing from burnt area unless stuck to the burn.
- Cover burn with a non-adherent dressing or aluminium foil, plastic wrap, or a wet clean dressing
- Seek medical aid
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
WARNING
- DO NOT apply lotions, ointment or fat to burns.
- DO NOT touch injured areas or burst any blisters.
- DO NOT remove anything sticking to the burn.
- Manage patient for SHOCK if burn is large or deep.
SEEK MEDICAL AID URGENTLY IF:
- burn is deep, even if patient does not feel any pain.
- a superficial burn is larger than a 20 cent piece.
- the burn involves airway, face, hands or genitals.
- you are unsure of the severity of the burn.
DANGER – Check for danger and ensure the scene is safe.
RESPONSE – Check for a response – ask name and squeeze shoulder.
SEND – Send for help – call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, or ask a bystander to make the call.
AIRWAY – Open mouth – look for foreign material and clear and open the airway.
BREATHING – look, listen, feel.
CPR – Start CPR – 30 compressions followed by2 breaths. If unwilling or unable to perform breaths, perform chest compression only (100–120/min).
DEFIBRILLATION – Apply a defibrillator (AED) as soon as available and follow the voice prompts.
