Free First Aid for Burns Poster
Downloadable Step-by-Step Burns First Aid Poster
Burns and scalds can range from minor, treatable injuries to severe, life-threatening emergencies which require immediate treatment. Our free first aid for burns poster provides clear, step-by-step guidance on how to provide immediate first aid for burns and scalds. It’s designed to be displayed in workplaces or public spaces, helping people respond quickly in the event of a burn or scald.
Each poster is printable and available to download instantly. Our free burns poster is updated to the latest first aid guidance in line with the industry regulators and voluntary aided societies.
Download your free first aid for burns poster
This free poster provides easy-to-follow guidance on treatment
for burns in your workplace
📄 Print-friendly PDF format📍 Recommended for A4 or A3 printing 🏢 Suitable for workplace display
What is a Burn or Scald?
A burn is damage to the skin caused by dry heat (for example, fire or the sun), while a scald is caused by wet heat (such as steam or hot liquids).
Both injuries cause red, damaged or blistered skin, and the immediate first aid provided should involve cooling the area down as quickly as possible.
According to the British Burn Association (BBA) First Aid Clinical Practice Guidelines:
“The prompt and effective application of burns first aid has been shown to positively impact the burn outcome, preventing further tissue damage and reducing subsequent morbidity.”
How to Recognise a Burn or Scald?
Look for the following signs and symptoms of a burn or scald:
Red, swollen and painful skin.
Mild swelling.
Blisters.
Peeling skin.
White, leather or charred skin (this indicates a severe burn).
For a complete step-by-step breakdown of how to respond to a workplace burn or scald, download our free first aid poster.
What To Do If Someone is Burned or Scalded?
If someone has suffered from a burn or scald, quick action is required to cool the area and prevent further damage.
Remember: Always check that the area is safe before you approach - your safety is most important.
Step-by-Step First Aid for Burns Protocol
Follow these steps when providing first aid for burns and scalds.
1. Ensure the Area is Safe
Make sure it’s safe to approach the casualty
Move the casualty away from the heat source
If the burn is severe, call emergency services immediately
2. Cool Under Running Water for At Least 20 Minutes
Run the burn/scald under lukewarm or cool (not icy or very cold) water for at least 20 minutes.
Do not use ice or greasy substances.
If running water is not available, use a cold compress instead.
3. Remove Jewellery/Tight Items (Unless Stuck)
Carefully remove clothing, jewellery, and accessories near the injured area.
Do not remove anything that is stuck to the skin.
4. Cover Loosely With A Sterile (Non-Fluffy) Dressing/Cling Film
Cover the burn/scald with a sterile (non-fluffy) dressing or use cling film.
Keep the casualty warm with a blanket or layers of clothing to prevent hypothermia, but do not cover the injured area.
5. Treat For Shock if Needed
Call emergency services (999).
Lay the casualty down and raise their feet and legs around 12 inches above their head (if this does not cause them pain and does not interfere with the injured area).
Keep them warm (for example, with layers of clothing or a foil blanket).
Monitor their breathing.
6. Monitor & Seek Medical Help If Needed
Monitor their breathing and pulse regularly.
If breathing stops, begin CPR immediately (see our step-by-step poster for more information).
Depending on the severity of the burn, call emergency services (999), visit A&E or call the non-emergency line (111).
Dos and Don’ts of First Aid for Burns and Scalds
Do:
Ensure the area is safe.
Wear disposable gloves if available.
Keep the casualty warm.
Treat pain with over-the-counter painkillers
Monitor the casualty closely and seek medical attention if required.
Do Not:
Apply any form of cream, ointment or fat to the affected area.
Use ice or ice-cold water to cool the burn.
Burst any blister that may form.
Apply any form of adhesive dressing.
Remove anything that is stuck to the affected area.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Burn or Scald?
You should call emergency services (999) or drive the casualty to A&E if the burn or scald:
Is very deep (you can see white/charred skin) or large (the burn is bigger than the person’s hand).
Is on the casualty's face, genitals or bottom.
Was caused by electricity or chemicals.
You should also seek medical attention if the casualty has a fever or shows signs of shock (such as clammy skin, sweating, shallow breathing, or dizziness).
If you are not sure if the burn/scald requires further medical attention, you should call the non-emergency line (111), and they will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Why Burns First Aid Posters Alone Are Not Enough?
While burn first aid posters are valuable for workplaces, they do not replace practical first aid training. Hands-on training is the most effective way to build confidence and ensure that your staff are prepared in the event of an emergency.
As part of your workplace risk assessment, you should identify the necessary first aid safety posters and signage, as well as the most suitable training for your staff.
The team at First Aid Safety delivers in-house workplace first aid training across London and the UK.
Looking for In-House First Aid Training?
The First Aid Safety team delivers expert in-house first aid training at your workplace in London and across the UK.
We offer a range of regulated, HSE-compliant workplace first aid courses which are accredited by Qualifications Network UK, including:
Our comprehensive nationwide network of first-aid training instructors can deliver tailored training to your staff at a time and place that works for you.
Burns First Aid Poster FAQs
You should cool a burn or scald under lukewarm or cool running water for at least 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling, and reduce the risk of scarring. This should ideally be done within 10 minutes of the injury occurring. You should not use ice or cold water, as this can make the injury worse.
To treat a chemical burn, you should remove any contaminated articles of clothing and flush the skin with cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. For dry chemicals, brush them off the skin before rinsing under water. Protect yourself by wearing disposable gloves (if they are available).
For some chemicals (e.g., dry lime), you should not use water. Instead, brush off the substance and use dry, clean materials to remove it.
To treat a burn from boiling water (called a scald), you should run the injury under cool or lukewarm (not cold) water for at least 20 minutes.
You should also:
Remove jewellery or tight items near the burn.
Cover the burn with cling film or a sterile dressing.
Monitor for signs of shock.
Seek medical attention if the scald is severe.
Cling film should only be applied after the burn has been cooled for at least 20 minutes.
It should only be used as a temporary measure until the wound can be dressed by medical professionals or until the wound can be dressed more appropriately with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing.
The cling film should be applied loosely, rather than wrapped tightly around the wound.
Very large or deep burns/scalds will require immediate medical attention. You should call 999 immediately or drive the casualty to the nearest A&E department if:
The burn is deep or large (bigger than the casualty’s hand).
The skin looks white, charred, or leathery.
The burn affects the face, airway, hands, feet, or genitals.
The burn was caused by electricity or chemicals.
The casualty is having difficulty breathing or is showing signs of shock (rapid breathing or sweaty skin).
A burn is caused by dry heat (such as fire, hot surfaces, or the sun), while a scald is caused by wet heat (such as hot liquids or steam). Both require the same immediate first aid treatment - cooling the affected area quickly.
No, you should never put ice or apply ice-cold water to a burn. Ice can restrict blood flow and cause further damage to the skin. Always use cool or lukewarm running water for at least 20 minutes.
No. You should not burst blisters caused by burns. Blisters help protect the underlying skin and reduce the risk of infection.
Yes. the poster is print-ready in PDF format. A4 or A3 paper is recommended for maximum visibility.
Your burns first aid poster should be placed in visible and accessible locations, such as:
Near first aid kits and AEDs
Communal areas, such as:
Staff rooms
Break rooms
Kitchens and dining areas
High traffic areas, such as:
Reception areas
Hallways
High-risk work areas
Clear placement ensures guidance is available quickly in an emergency.
