Burn injuries can happen in homes, workplaces, and outdoor environments. Understanding the different causes of burns and the correct first aid treatment is essential because early care can reduce the severity of the injury and improve recovery outcomes.
It is recommended to cool a burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes as the first step in treatment. This simple action can reduce pain, tissue damage, and long-term scarring.
Burns can occur from several sources including heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, and specialised substances such as bitumen or capsicum spray. Each type requires slightly different treatment. Knowing how to respond quickly and safely can make a critical difference in reducing pain, preventing complications, and supporting recovery. Learning these skills through professional first aid training ensures people are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.
Types of Burns and Their Causes
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, generating heat within tissues. These injuries can be particularly dangerous because internal damage may be severe even when external burns appear minor.
Electrical injuries can occur in workplaces involving live electrical panels or equipment, making specialised rescue and first aid training essential for workers in these environments.
Entry and exit wounds may be visible where the electricity travelled through the body.
First Aid for Electrical Burns
- Ensure the electricity source has been turned off before touching the casualty.
- Use a non-conductive object such as a dry wooden handle to move the person away from the source.
- Check airway and breathing.
- Cool visible burns with cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
- Call 000 for emergency medical assistance.
Electrical injuries can also cause cardiac arrest, so CPR may be required if the casualty stops breathing normally. Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) through accredited training can significantly improve survival in emergencies.
Dry Heat Burns
Dry heat burns occur when skin comes into contact with hot objects or friction. Common causes include:
- Fire or flames
- Hot cooking surfaces
- Machinery or industrial equipment
- Friction injuries
First Aid Treatment
- Remove the casualty from danger.
- Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes.
- Remove jewellery and tight clothing near the burn.
- Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.
- Cover the wound with a sterile non-stick dressing.
Cling film can be used as a temporary dressing because it protects the wound without sticking to the damaged skin. Having access to appropriate burn treatment supplies and first aid kits can help manage burn injuries before professional medical assistance arrives.
Wet Heat Burns (Scalds)
Scalds are burns caused by hot liquids or steam. They commonly occur from:
- Boiling water
- Hot beverages
- Steam exposure
- Cooking oil or hot fats
Children are particularly at risk from hot drinks and hot tap water.
Treatment for Scalds
Scald injuries are treated the same as other thermal burns:
- Remove the heat source.
- Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes.
- Remove jewellery and loose clothing.
- Apply a sterile non-stick dressing.
Bitumen Burns
Bitumen burns occur mainly in roadwork and construction environments. Bitumen retains heat and sticks to the skin, which can worsen the burn if not cooled quickly.
First Aid for Bitumen Burns
- Cool the burn with large amounts of water for at least 30 minutes.
- Do not attempt to remove the bitumen from the skin.
- Seek urgent medical treatment.
Removal of bitumen should only be performed by medical professionals.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns happen when substances such as acids, alkalis, or industrial chemicals damage the skin or eyes.
These chemicals can cause burns by corroding tissue or producing heat when reacting with skin.
According to Safe Work Australia workplace burn safety guidance, workers exposed to chemicals or hot materials should follow strict emergency procedures to minimise injury.
Chemical Burn First Aid
- Ensure the area is safe before helping the casualty.
- Remove contaminated clothing carefully.
- Rinse the burn under running water for at least 20 minutes.
- Avoid spreading the chemical to unaffected skin.
- Call 000 for emergency assistance.
If the chemical enters the eyes, flush continuously with clean water.
Radiation Burns (Sunburn)
Radiation burns are most commonly caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, resulting in sunburn. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency warns that prolonged UV exposure can lead to severe sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Treatment for Sunburn
- Move the casualty out of direct sunlight.
- Cool the skin with cool water for around 20 minutes.
- Encourage small sips of water to prevent dehydration.
- Seek medical advice if blistering occurs or the burn is severe.
What Not to Do When Treating Burns
When providing first aid for burns, avoid actions that may worsen the injury.
Never:
- Break blisters
- Apply creams, oils, or ointments immediately after the burn
- Apply ice directly to the burn
- Remove clothing stuck to the wound
- Use adhesive dressings directly on the burn
Blisters help protect the wound from infection and should remain intact.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Burns
Medical help should be sought immediately if:
- The burn covers more than 10% of the body
- The burn is deep or full-thickness
- The injury involves the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals
- The burn was caused by electricity or chemicals
- The patient is a child or infant
- The casualty has inhaled smoke or fumes
Serious burns require urgent medical treatment and specialised care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burns
What is the first thing you should do for a burn?
The first step in burn first aid is to cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
Should you put ice on a burn?
No. Ice can worsen tissue damage and should not be applied directly to a burn.
When should you call an ambulance for a burn?
You should call emergency services if the burn is severe, large, deep, caused by electricity or chemicals, or affects sensitive areas of the body.
How long should you cool a burn?
Health authorities recommend cooling burns for a full 20 minutes under running water.
Learn Essential Burn First Aid Skills
Burn injuries can happen anywhere, from homes to workplaces. Proper first aid knowledge can significantly reduce injury severity and improve recovery outcomes.
Emergency First Aid offers nationally recognised training programs that teach essential emergency response skills, including burn treatment, CPR, and workplace incident management.
Explore our training courses:
- HLTAID009 Provide CPR
https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/first-aid-courses/hltaid009-cpr/
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/first-aid-courses/hltaid011-provide-first-aid/
- HLTAID012 First Aid in Education and Care Settings
https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/first-aid-courses/hltaid012-provide-an-emergency-first-aid-response-in-an-education-and-care-setting/
These courses provide practical skills and confidence to respond effectively during emergencies.
Sources:
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. (n.d.). Sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/sun
Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Burns and scalds. Victorian Government. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/burns-and-scalds
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Burns and scalds. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/burns-and-scalds
Queensland University of Technology. (n.d.). First aid for burns. https://research.qut.edu.au/btr/first-aid-for-burns/
Safe Work Australia. (n.d.). Chemical hazards and safety. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/chemical