After a child is burned or scalded, move them away from the heat if you can do so safely. Cool the affected skin under gently running cool water for 20 minutes. Keep the rest of the child warm. If the burn is extensive or the child has trouble breathing after smoke or fire exposure, call 995 immediately. Another adult can start cooling while you call. KKH burn first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
Remove hot or wet clothing and jewellery near the burn if they come away easily. Leave anything stuck to the skin in place. After cooling, cover the area loosely with a clean non-stick dressing if available. Keep ice, toothpaste, oils and other home remedies off the burn. KKH burn first aid · SingHealth burns and emergency care
- Cool the burned area with gently running cool water for 20 minutes.
- Leave stuck clothing and blisters alone.
- Get urgent care for a significant burn. Call 995 if it is extensive, breathing is affected or emergency help is needed.
On this page · Cool the Burn Safely · When to Get Urgent Medical Help · A Scald at Home, School or a Food Court · Frequently Asked Questions
Cool the Burn Safely
Move away from the heat source before helping. Hold only the affected area under cool running water where practical. A caregiver can keep the rest of the child covered while another sets a timer. If there is a serious burn, start the emergency call while cooling takes place. Explain the cause, size and location of the burn. KKH burn first aid
What to leave alone
Avoid peeling off clothing stuck to burned skin or breaking blisters. Use cool water rather than ice or ice water. If a clean non-stick dressing is available, place it gently over the area after cooling. Keep tissue and other materials that may stick to the wound off the burned area. KKH burn first aid · SingHealth burns and emergency care
When to Get Urgent Medical Help
Seek immediate emergency assessment for a significant burn, especially one that is deep, charred, extensive, caused by chemicals or electricity, or on the face, hands or genitals. If the child has difficulty breathing after fire or smoke exposure, call 995 immediately. For a smaller burn that blisters, contact a healthcare professional for advice. KKH burn first aid · SingHealth burns and emergency care · SCDF emergency medical services
If the injury involved electricity or chemicals
Check scene safety before approaching. Keep clear of a live electrical source or spilled chemical and tell responders what caused the injury. Seek emergency assessment. If the exact substance is known, have its name or label available without exposing yourself to it. SingHealth burns and emergency care · SCDF emergency medical services
A Scald at Home, School or a Food Court
For a hot-drink spill, one adult can cool the injury while another gets help and clears the space around the child. At school or a public venue, give responders the building, floor and nearest usable entrance. Tell caregivers when the injury happened, what caused it and when cooling began.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use toothpaste or an ice pack?
Use gently running cool water. Ice and household remedies can worsen injury or interfere with care. KKH burn first aid · SingHealth burns and emergency care
Should I stop cooling if a blister appears?
Continue cooling and leave the blister intact. Seek medical advice about the injury. KKH burn first aid · SingHealth burns and emergency care
Should we finish cooling before calling 995?
Call immediately if emergency help is needed. If someone else is there, ask them to make the call while you cool the burn. KKH burn first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Accidental Poisoning in Children in Singapore | What to Do After Medicines, Cleaners or Button Batteries
- Severe Bleeding in Singapore | How to Apply Pressure and When to Call 995
- Child Head Injury in Singapore | Concussion Signs, When to Go to A&E and When to Call 995
- Emergency Numbers in Singapore
- Child Medical Emergency in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.