The NHS is bracing for a surge in burns and scalds this Bonfire Night weekend and is urging people to remember a critical 20-minute first aid rule. In a post on Instagram, the health service said that over Bonfire Night weekends, its website information on burns and scalds receives about one visit every 30 seconds.
NHS issues serious message
Bonfire Night falls on Thursday, November 5, with some people expected to hold celebrations until the weekend. This leaves a roughly four-day window during which the NHS expects to see more cases of scalds and burns than at any other time of the year.
In its Instagram post, the NHS said: "THE SERIOUS MESSAGE: Over Bonfire Night weekends, the NHS website info on burns and scalds gets about one visit every 30 seconds. If you get burnt, hold it under cool running water for 20 minutes if you can."
The service added that people should consider using NHS 111 for more help if they need it, saying: "They'll help you get the care you need."
What to do if you get a burn or scald
In most cases, small burns and scalds can be treated at home, but severe ones may require hospital treatment, according to the NHS. Responding quickly and correctly after an incident can make a significant difference.
There are three important steps to soothing a burn or scald:
- Hold the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible, within three hours of it happening. If there is no running water, use cool bottled water or a wet towel.
- Remove any clothing or jewellery near the affected area, but do not remove anything stuck to it.
- Once cooled, lay cling film over the burn or scald if possible, without wrapping it around.
Health experts say calling 999 is only necessary if the burn is "very large or deep" or on a sensitive area such as the "face, genitals or bottom". The NHS also advises that burns caused by "acid or chemical, or electricity" should be handled by professionals.
Helping burns heal
The NHS said: "Small burns and scalds can often be treated at home and can take around two weeks to heal. Severe burns and scalds that are large or deep may need treatment in hospital."
While a burn or scald is healing, people can take painkillers and use an emollient ointment, which is typically thick, oil-based, and deeply moisturising. Bursting blisters that form to protect the skin underneath can prolong healing, and people should avoid covering the burn with plasters or sticky dressings, as these increase infection risks and can be very painful to remove.
