Burn First Aid: What People Get Wrong

Burn injuries are one of the most common incidents we see in workplaces, care settings, and at home — especially around cooking, hot drinks, heaters, irons, and seasonal events like Bonfire Night. Yet most people are surprised to learn that the way burns are traditionally treated — toothpaste, butter, ice — can actually make the injury worse.

In this short guide, we’ll walk you through the correct first aid best practice steps for treating burns, along with the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do — and what not to do — if someone suffers a burn injury.

Let’s get started — because the right first aid, at the right time, can make all the difference.

Burn First Aid: The Steps Most People Get Wrong (NHS & First Aid Guidance)

Most people treat burns incorrectly — learn the correct NHS-approved first aid steps: Cool, Cover, Call. Includes what NOT to do and when to call 999.

Burns happen fast — and often when you least expect it.

From hot drinks and cooking spills to heaters, steam, chemicals, or seasonal events like firework nights — burn injuries are common and can be serious. Yet the majority of people unknowingly use incorrect treatments, increasing pain and risk of infection.

The good news? Burn first aid is simple — but only if you know what to do.

1. The biggest mistake people make with burns

The number one mistake we see is:

Not cooling the burn for long enough.

Most people splash cold water on it for 10 seconds, then reach for creams, ice, butter, toothpaste, gels, aloe vera etc

These DO NOT help and can actually make the burn worse.

The NHS and First Aid guidance is clear:

✅ Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

Not 10 seconds.
Not 2 minutes.
20 minutes — minimum and even if the burn has happened up to 3 hours before!

This is the most powerful burn treatment available outside a hospital.

2. The correct first aid treatment for burns

Remember: COOL • COVER • CALL

✅ Step 1: COOL the burn

• Place the burn under cool running water

• Use for at least 20 minutes (set a timer)

If running water isn’t available, use any clean, cool liquid (e.g., bottled water).

⚠️ Do NOT use ice or iced water — this can damage the skin.

✅ Step 2: REMOVE

• Gently remove clothing, jewellery, watches

• If anything is stuck to the burn, leave it in place

✅ Step 3: COVER

• Cover the burn with:

  • Cling film, or

  • A sterile, non-fluffy dressing, or

➡️ Lay cling film over the burn — don’t wrap it tightly.

✅ Step 4: CALL for medical help if:

• If the burn is larger than the person’s palm

• On the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals

• The casualty is a child or vulnerable adult

• The burn is caused by chemicals, electricity, or hot fat

Call 999 if the casualty’s clothing has caught fire.

3. What NOT to use (but people still do)

Burns need cooling, not coating.

4. If someone’s clothes catch fire

Teach this to children (and remember it yourself):

STOP • DROP • ROLL

• STOP — running fuels the flame

• DROP — to the floor and protect face

• ROLL — to smother the flames

Once out, begin COOL • COVER • CALL.

5. Why correct burn first aid matters

Correct initial treatment can:

• Reduce pain and shock

• Prevent infection

• Minimise scarring

• Reduce the need for surgery or long-term treatment

A simple 20 minutes of cool running water can make a huge difference to the long-term outcome.

✅ Build confidence with Essential 6 First Aid Training

Most people panic in an emergency.

Our First Aid Training courses give learners the knowledge and confidence to act quickly and correctly when someone needs help — at home, at work, or in the community.

✔ NHS-aligned and Ofqual awarded qualification
✔ Interactive and practical
✔ Delivered by expert trainers

👉 Learn lifesaving skills.
👉 Protect your staff, clients, and loved ones.

📩 Enquire about first aid training:

training@essential6.co.uk or 01803 26 66 66