According to Professor Fiona Wood, head of the Burn Injury Research Unit at the University of Western Australia and a St John first aid ambassador, the immediate treatment of a burn can minimise things such as pain, surgery and skin grafts by up to 80 per cent.

“When people who have been burned have received first aid, the extent of the injury is reduced,”?Professor Wood said.

“The effect of an initial burn can be ongoing, however giving first aid can close that process down, resulting in quicker healing, less scarring and in extreme cases, more chance of survival.”

Burns are primarily caused by scalding from hot liquid or flames and contact with hot objects.

The most important thing to remember about a burn is to immediately cool the burnt area by placing it under cold, running water until the area returns to normal temperature, for up to 20 minutes. The burn can then be covered with a non-sticky dressing.

Medical attention should be sought if it involves the airways, hands, feet, face or genitals or if the burn is bigger than a 20 cent piece on an adult, or bigger than a 10 cent piece on a child.

Seek medical advice if you’re not sure of the severity of the burn.

St John NSW is offering the following additional tips to ensure residents’ Australia Day festivities are memorable for all the right reasons:

- Check your barbecue: clean your barbecue and check that the gas cylinder is functioning properly before use;

- Watch out for children: make sure children are supervised around barbecues and remember to put away matches or lighters after use; and

- Treat any burns immediately: place the burnt area under cold, running water for up to 20 minutes.

If you are not sure of the severity of a burn, seek medical advice.

To find out about leaning first aid with St John NSW, call 1800 ST JOHN or visit www.stjohnfirstaid.com.au.