Burns: Do You Know What To Do?

Wednesday, 13 October 2021 10:57

By Jade McLean

Nora Nugent, consultant plastic surgeon and burns lead (left) with members of the Queen Victoria Hospital burns unit who know first-hand the importance of the three C's of burns first aid.

On Burns Awareness Day (Oct 13) experts at East Grinstead's Queen Victoria Hospital have offered useful advice to anyone who needs to treat a burn.

Scarring from a serious burn is not just physical, but can be psychological too. It can have a long-lasting impact and can require multiple surgeries and a considerable amount of pain.

But burns injuries are potentially preventable if you treat them properly and remember the three Cs:

Cool. Call. Cover.

Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound).

Call for help for any burn larger than a 50p coin: 999, 111 or local GP for advice.

Cover with cling film while transferring to a hospital/GP surgery. The hospital/GP should apply a sterile dressing. Cling film should not be left on a burn for more than a few hours and only until wounds are assessed by health professionals.

Figures from Queen Victoria Hospital's paediatric unit show that last year 48% of all referrals were scald injuries caused by tea and coffee.

Meanwhile almost 45% of referrals to its adult unit were scald injuries. These figures remain high year on year.

Nora Nugent, consultant plastic surgeon and burns lead at Queen Victoria Hospital, said:

"Whilst accidents can happen, knowing the basic burns first aid mantra of cool, call, cover can really make all the difference. In fact applying cool water up to three hours after the burn can significantly reduce the extent of the injury.

"It's important to remember the scars these injuries leave are psychological as well as physical and can present life-long challenges for the individual and also their family. So this burns awareness day please make sure you and your family know what to do because one day you could be the one providing that crucial immediate first aid."

More from Lifestyle

Five Alternative Christmas Dinners For Turkey Haters

Turkey may be the traditional centre-piece of Christmas dinners, but it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something new, accommodating dietary preferences, or simply not a fan of turkey, there are plenty of delicious alternatives. Here are five ideas to inspire a memorable Christmas feast:
Five Brilliant Food Games For All The Family On Christmas Day

Christmas Day is all about family, fun, and feasting. After the big meal, there’s no better way to keep the festive spirit alive than with some food-themed games that everyone can enjoy. From kids to grandparents, these entertaining activities add a playful twist to your holiday celebrations. Here are five brilliant food games to try this Christmas...
Five Most Unique Christmas Dinners Worldwide

Christmas is celebrated worldwide with a dazzling array of traditions, and nothing brings people together quite like a festive meal. From roasted turkeys to sweet treats, each country adds its unique twist to the holiday. Here are five of the most unique Christmas dinners that showcase the diversity of global traditions:
Five Best UK Christmas Attractions To Visit

The festive season is a magical time in the UK, where towns and cities transform into winter wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and enchanting attractions. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or a romantic Christmas escape, these five Christmas attractions offer unforgettable experiences:
Five Horror Christmas Films For Adults Only

The holiday season may be synonymous with cheer and goodwill, but for those who enjoy a darker twist to their Christmas festivities, horror films set during this time of year provide the perfect blend of chills and yuletide thrills. Here are five standout horror Christmas films made exclusively for an adult audience. These movies are filled with gore, suspense, and twisted humour—definitely not suitable for children: