The Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) is highlighting the importance of taking all burns seriously for Burns Awareness Month this month (June).
Advanced Nurse Unit Manager at the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s Adult Burns Centre, Natalia Adanichkin said all burns should be taken seriously, as a serious burn could become a lifetime injury.
“The correct first aid, even for a minor burn can have a huge impact on the severity of the injury,” Ms Adanichkin said.
“During winter there is an increased risk of burns from using hot water bottles, fires, heaters and warm drinks as we try to stay warm,” she said.
Ms Adanichkin said that to treat a burn, people should: Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes; Remove clothing and jewellery; Wrap the affected area in a clean cloth and elevate; and Seek medical advice.
“Cooling is critical immediate after a burn injury,” she said.
“By applying cool running water to the burn for 20 minutes, within three hours of the injury occurring, you reduce the burn size and depth.”
According to the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA), cooling is critical immediately after a burn injury, however only approximately 70 per cent of children and 60 per cent of adults receive good burn first aid.
“Applying cool running water for 20 minutes to the burn up to three hours following burn injury reduces burn size, and depth, and is good for pain management,” the ANZBA said.
The ANZBA’s one-page Burn First Aid fact sheet can be accessed at this PS News link.
