‘Don’t get burns first aid wrong… your child is relying on you’

“Twenty-nine percent of children do not receive the correct first aid for burns, which could leads to more scarring and damage,” a child first aid expert says as she shares five essential steps to minimise the impact of burns.

When a child is burned, it’s hard not to panic.

But panic is the last thing they need, because if you don’t administer first aid properly in those first moments, it could mean worse scarring, more tissue damage and pain, and slower healing time.

According to Nikki Jurcutz of Tiny Hearts Education, “Nearly one third of children are receiving the wrong first aid treatment for burns.”

In a viral video shared on Instagram, the paramedic and child first aid expert shares images of a child over a period from when they were first burned on their torso to eight weeks later when they’re healed.

“Look at the difference eight weeks after the burn,” she captioned the video.

It’s clear the child received proper first aid because what began as a large burn affecting one half of the baby's torso has largely vanished.

The scarring is almost non-existent, with just a bit of light pigmentation that will probably disappear over time.

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Paramedic shares burns first aid steps

“Correct burns first aid significantly reduces tissue damage, speeds up the wound-healing process, reduces the likelihood of life-long scarring,” she wrote.

So how do you administer proper burns first aid?

There are five steps, according to Nikki.

1. Remove clothing and accessories in the injured area, including nappies
2. Put the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes
3. Cover the burn with loose, non-stick dressing
4. Cover the unburnt area and keep the person warm
5. If possible, elevate the burn to reduce swelling

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Good recovery from a burn relies on good first aid. Photo: Instagram

Followers were amazed by the results and had plenty of questions.

One person asked why the water had to be running water.

“If the burned area is placed in a container of water, the burn can warm the water. Running cold water will mean the burn will continuously be cooled,” one person responded.

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Another person asked what to do if they live regionally – should they put the burn under cold water for 20 minutes, or go straight to hospital.

“I would think that those minutes immediately after the burn incident would be best spent in the shower/under cool running water for at least 20 minutes before you drive them anywhere,” one person responded. “You can’t get that time back for a re-do.”

Originally published as ‘Don’t get burns first aid wrong… your child is relying on you’