And just like that, we’re into fireworks season!

Not just 5th November, but also Hallowe’en, Diwali (this year on the 31st Oct and 1st Nov), Hannukah (26th Dec to 2nd Jan), Christmas and New Year… and of course, other celebrations involving fireworks displays, or where fire is involved and burns could occur. Plus, as the weather gets cooler the open fires, log burners and other forms of solid fuel heating might also begin to make an appearance.

• If necessary! Most of the time this will be done automatically.
• Brush off any powdered chemicals.

• 20 minutes? Really? Yes! Remember when you cooled it for 2 minutes, then it started hurting again? That’s because it hadn’t cooled enough!
• How cool is ‘cool’? The cold tap will get quite cold and encourage removal from the water too quickly – so lukewarm water works better. As long as the water is cooler than the burn, it’s cooling the burn.
• Does it have to be running water? Ideally yes – but if you don’t have the option, plunge into standing water but replace a couple of jugful's every couple of minutes to keep the temperature of the water cool. Or you could use a jug or bottle to pour the water over if there’s no tap handy.

• But DON’T take anything out of the burn that’s stuck in!

• If there is any element of an open wound, cover with cling film. On a limb, do this by draping cling film over the top and underneath and gently scrunch it together rather than wrapping it round and round the limb – as the burn swells, it will cause a problem.

Consider SCALD to make an assessment – though if you are unsure, it’s always better to get medical attention.

• Size
• Cause
• Age 
• Location
• Depth

Size & Depth go together.  

If the burn is minor – red and hurts a lot – then the general rule is to be seen if it exceeds 5% of the body’s surface area. 1% is the size of their hand (note this is the casualty’s hand – so if it’s a child, it’s their hand, not yours!). If it’s blistered (a partial thickness burn) then one hand is the limit (and it could be several blisters added together to make one hand’s worth). If there is any element of full thickness – black, charred, open wound – then it needs to be seen.

If the burn has been caused by electricity or chemicals, it should always receive medical attention, regardless of the size or depth of the burn.  

…of the casualty, not the burn! Younger people have sensitive skin which hasn’t been worn in yet – elderly people have worn theirs out so it’s very thin! Either age group are more at risk of complications from a burn, so don’t wait for it to reach the size and depth limits. ‘Young’ is not just babies and toddlers, but even up to 10 or 11 years old.

Some areas are more risky than others. All the way around a limb, affecting the face or airways or whole hands or feet always need medical expertise, as do burn injuries to genitals (ouch!)

• Don’t put any lotions, potions or liquids on a burn, including butter, olive oil, yogurt, toothpaste… the list of things I’ve heard are endless! Creams are not appropriate for a burn either, whether antiseptic or not. You can purchase burn gel or burns dressings which are specially formulated for burns – these are fine.
• Don’t pull anything out of a burn – chunks or strips of skin are likely to come with it!
• Chemical burns need cooling with water at high pressure for as long as possible. Consider calling an ambulance to bring help to you in this circumstance.
• Don’t pop blisters or touch the burn – infection is a major issue and these actions can potentially introduce bacteria.

Remember that taking precautions to avoid burns is always better than dealing with the consequences, so take care around fireworks and open fires this winter!