Paediatric Burn Care: The Adequacy of Cool Running Water First Aid

Appropriate initial management of paediatric thermal burns is key to the prevention and reduction of complications including scarring, chronic pain and sensory disturbance. Guidelines recommend all patients receive 20 minutes of cool running water up to 3 hours following injury. A retrospective study of patients presenting with thermal burns in a three-month period in 2019 showed only 29% completed adequate cooling in the ED. Results were presented at a local audit meeting with re-education of guidelines and common pitfalls, and a commitment to engage in an MDT approach. Re-audit 6 months later showed 65% completed adequate cooling in the ED.