Burns and scalds: cooling and seeking help
Ensure scene safety and seek professional help for serious or uncertain burns.
In immediate danger or with serious injury, contact local emergency services. This article is not live emergency assistance.
Hot liquids, fire, electricity and chemicals can cause different burns. Electrical and chemical hazards need professional handling; large, deep or sensitive-area burns and concerns involving children require medical advice.
Basic cooling for a thermal burn
NHS guidance recommends cooling a thermal burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. Do not apply ice, oils or butter. Avoid chilling the person, particularly a child, and seek local emergency or medical help according to severity.
Do not remove material stuck to the injury
Follow professional advice for safely removing nearby clothing or jewellery, but do not pull away material stuck to the burn, burst blisters or use sticky dressings. Avoid further injury rather than trying to clean the area aggressively.
When urgent medical help is needed
Large or deep burns, burns of the face, genitals or buttocks, and electrical or chemical burns require urgent medical assessment. Seek prompt advice for children or uncertainty. Use verified local emergency contacts rather than another country’s number.
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Questions to prepare for
- Check current local guidance and household needs.
- Keep the plan where household members can find it.
- In immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Public references
Preparation notes based on public resources. No independent clinical or technical expert review is claimed. Follow current local guidance.
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