• Burn: Dry heat, such as fire, friction, electricity (including lightning).

• Scald: Moist heat, such as water or chemicals.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain, redness, blistering, several layers of skin destroyed.

Rule of Nines

This rule is used to gauge the extent of burns as a percentage of the body’s surface area.

• Head = 9%

• Each arm = 9% (hand 1%)

• Front of Chest and Abdomen = 18%

• Back of Chest and Abdomen = 18%

• Each leg = 18%

• Crotch = 1%

Treatment

• Cool immediately – place under running water until redness & swelling reduce (minimum 15 minutes).

• For acid burns – flush with water until pain starts to decrease taking care not to spread the acid.

• Remove restrictions such as clothing and/or jewellery.

• Remove clothing if it comes away easily.

• Do not apply ointments.

• Apply a sterile non-stick, non-fluffy burn dressing or clingfilm.

• Consider sips of water especially of airway is swollen (providing casualty can swallow).

• Call 999 if burns affect vital organs – head, chest, abdomen.

Prevention is better than cure

• Cover up – where loose fitting long-sleeve shirts & trousers.

• Apply high factor sun cream frequently throughout the day.

• Remember that sun cream will wash off as you sweat.

• Wear a sun hat with a brim.

• Try to cover back of neck as well as shade for your face.

• Find shade when resting, during breaks and at camp.

Treatment 

• If you get sunburn, cover and protect areas straight away.

• Apply after sun lotion to replace lost moisture in the skin.