Burns awareness

To help you, your child or other young people know what to do in the event of a burn injury, we have produced some videos and information which we would encourage you to familiarise yourself with.

We suggest both the stop, drop and roll and cool, call and cover techniques to help minimise injuries, should the worst happen.

Stop, drop and roll 

The Three Cs (call, cool and cover) 

What to look out for

The following symptoms could suggest a complication with a burn injury. Please call the ward for advice if in doubt.

  • A high temperature
  • A rash
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Very sleepy
  • Off food and drink
  • Not passing urine.

Caring for the dressing

Dressings are required to protect the burn and help it heal. Please make sure bandages are left in place until you return to hospital for a follow up appointment. You will need to call the ward if any of the following things happen before your appointment:

  • The bandage becomes loose or falls off
  • The bandage is too tight
  • It becomes wet or fluid from the wound leaks through
  • Your child has pain that is not relieved by paracetamol
  • The bandage becomes smelly or looks green.

Long-term care

  • Burn injuries that take two weeks or more to heal may leave a scar
  • At first, the area that has been burned will be red and itchy
  • Wash the area and massage with a moisturising cream such as E45 or another unperformed cream
  • Remember to always wash the area to help stop the grease from building up before you apply more cream.