Being Barbecue Season Ready - Treating Burns and Scalds

Being Barbecue Season Ready - Treating Burns and Scalds

1. Cool the area immediately. Run under cool or tepid water for 20 minutes. If there is no facility to apply cool water a burn gel or hydrogel can be used.
2. Remove any clothing or jewellery near the injury (unless stuck to the skin).
3. Avoid putting anything other than cool water on the burn (Especially avoid ice, creams, butter or ointments, these may cause more damage to the area.)
4. Cover the burn with loosely fit clothing or bandages, avoid fluffy clothing or bandages.
5. Do not pop or burst any blisters.
6. Drink plenty of water to help the burn heal.

You should seek medical advice if:

1. The burn covers a large area, is on the face or any sensitive area.
2. The area around the burn becomes red or shows other signs of infection such a pus or oozing.
3. There is increased pain or swelling in the area.
4. Blisters are taking longer than two weeks to heal.

If you want to learn more about treating burns and scalds you can check out the HSE’s information page HERE and The Red Cross’s demonstration on treating these incidents in the home HERE.