Burns First Aid – What To Do for Minor & Severe Burns in WA
Burns are one of the most common injuries across WA — from BBQ accidents, kitchen mishaps, hot drinks, sunburn, workplace hazards, or even chemical exposure.
Knowing how to treat a burn properly is crucial.
The wrong actions (like using ice, butter or creams) can make things much worse.
Here’s a simple First Aid guide anyone in WA can follow.
⭐ 1. The 3 Types of Burns
✔ 1. Thermal burns
Caused by fire, flames, hot surfaces, boiling water, oil, steam, BBQs.
✔ 2. Chemical burns
Caused by acids, alkalis, cleaning agents, industrial chemicals.
✔ 3. Electrical burns
Caused by exposed wiring, faulty appliances, lightning (rare).
Each type requires different First Aid — but all burns require fast cooling.
⭐ 2. First Aid for ALL Burns (Use This Every Time)
✔ Step 1: Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes
This is the MOST important step.
Use cool, running tap water — not ice.
✔ Step 2: Remove clothing and jewellery
But only if NOT stuck to the burn.
Rings, watches, and tight clothing can restrict blood flow as swelling occurs.
✔ Step 3: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing
Plastic wrap (cling film) works brilliantly.
Do not wrap tightly — just lay it gently over the area.
⭐ 3. What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)
❌ Do NOT use ice
It damages tissue and worsens the burn.
❌ Do NOT use butter, toothpaste, aloe, or creams
They trap heat and increase tissue damage.
❌ Do NOT pop blisters
This increases infection risk.
❌ Do NOT remove stuck clothing
Leave it for medical professionals.
❌ Do NOT use cotton wool
Fibres stick to the burn.
⭐ 4. When to Call 000 (Serious Burns)
Call 000 immediately if the burn:
Is larger than a 20-cent coin
Is on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or major joints
Causes deep charring or white/black skin
Was caused by electricity or chemicals
Is in children or elderly people
Causes difficulty breathing
Covers a large area of the body
Electrical and chemical burns always require medical attention.
⭐ 5. Chemical Burn First Aid (Important)
✔ Brush away dry chemicals first
Use a cloth, paper towel or glove.
✔ Flush with running water for 20 minutes
Same rule as thermal burns.
✔ Remove contaminated clothing
Only if it’s not stuck to the skin.
✔ Avoid breathing in powder or fumes
Call 000 for all chemical burns — even mild ones.
⭐ 6. Electrical Burn First Aid (High Risk)
✔ Ensure power is OFF first
Do NOT touch the person until you’re certain.
✔ Call 000
Electrical burns can cause internal injuries.
✔ Cool visible burns with water
As you would with a normal burn.
✔ Monitor breathing
Cardiac arrest is possible after electrical shocks.
⭐ 7. Sunburn First Aid (Very Common in WA)
✔ Move out of the sun
Shade or indoors.
✔ Cool the skin
Use cool water or compresses.
✔ Apply moisturiser or aloe vera
Soothes discomfort.
✔ Drink water
Sunburn = dehydration.
Seek medical help if there’s blistering or fever.
⭐ 8. Burns Are Preventable — Training Helps
With proper First Aid knowledge, you can reduce pain, prevent infection and minimise long-term scarring.
At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach burns management in:
HLTAID009 Provide CPR
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid
Small classes, hands-on practice, real-life WA scenarios.