First Aid for Burns: Protecting Your Child from Scalds and Burns

Burns and scalds are among the most common injuries in children, particularly those under the age of five. Their natural curiosity and lack of awareness about dangers make them especially susceptible. Understanding preventive measures and appropriate first aid responses is crucial in safeguarding our children from these painful injuries.​ 

Preventive Measures

In the Kitchen:

Supervision: Always supervise children in the kitchen. Consider installing safety gates to keep young children out while cooking.

Safe Placement of Hot Items: Keep hot foods and liquids, like soups and beverages, out of children's reach. Turn pot handles inward on the stove to prevent accidental tipping.

Appliance Safety: Ensure appliance cords are not dangling where children can pull them. Keep kettles and their cords away from the edge of counters.

In the Bathroom:

Water Temperature: Set your water heater thermostat to 50°C or below. Always test bath water temperature before allowing children to enter. Fill the bath with cold water first, then add hot water to reach a safe temperature.

Supervision: Never leave children unattended in the bathroom.

Around the Home:

Fireplaces and Heaters: Use barriers to prevent children from accessing fireplaces, heaters, and radiators.

Electrical Safety: Keep children away from electrical appliances and ensure cords are out of reach.

First Aid for Burns

Immediate Action:

Cool the Burn: As quickly as possible, hold the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. This is effective up to three hours post-injury.

Remove Constrictive Items: Gently remove clothing or jewelry near the burned area, unless they're stuck to the skin.

Cover the Burn:

Dressing: After cooling, cover the burn with a loose, non-stick dressing or plastic cling film to protect it from infection. Do not keep cling film on for more than an hour without medical advice.

Seek Medical Attention:

When to Seek Help: Seek medical assistance if the burn is deep, larger than 3 cm, has blisters, or is located on the face, hands, or genitals. Also, if the burn affects the throat or airway, or if you're concerned about the injury.

Emergency Situations: Call emergency services immediately if the burn is severe, covers a large area, or is accompanied by other injuries.

What to Avoid

• Do Not Use Ice: Applying ice can further damage the skin.

• Avoid Home Remedies: Do not apply butter, oils, ointments, or ice to burns, as these can further damage the skin.

By implementing preventive measures and knowing the correct first aid steps, we can significantly reduce the risk and severity of burns in children, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Written by

Ilana Haseltine Lawrence – RN, MN (Adv Prac Paeds), ACN Cert Immunisation, RTO (AHETI), TAE40122 - Cert IV in Training & Assessment.

Reviewed by

Dr Samual Heitner - Paediatrician, Paediatric Emergency Consultant, Founder - Telebaby, FRACP.