A new awareness campaign to educate the public in how to treat a burn has been launched this week for Burns Awareness Week in the Northern Territory.

Burns Awareness Week is held each year by Royal Darwin Hospital and this year runs from June 27 to July 3.

The campaign "Know the 3 Cs - Cool for 20 minutes under running water, Cover it with cling wrap and Call 000", is aimed at ensuring people know timely first aid treatment.

Royal Darwin Hospital Clinical Nurse Consultant and NT Burns Prevention Committee spokesperson Margaret Brennan says "Adequate and timely first aid to a burn injury can greatly minimise the extent of the injury received from burns.” 

“Quick action is critical and can affect how long it takes for the skin to heal, the need for surgery and most importantly, the extent of the scarring”.

"The current recommendation is to place the injured area under cool running water for a full 20 minutes, wrap the affected area in cling wrap and seek medical advice.”

“Never use ice, butter or frozen peas.”

The Know the 3Cs campaign aims to dispel the old wives' tales that butter, egg whites and ice are good ways to treat a burn. 

"These will not work and can actually cause more damage.  Some injuries burn deeply into the layers of skin – the best treatment is to cool it, cover it and call 000, and this prompt action could reduce the likelihood of needing a surgical graft."

Burns are one of the most common accidental childhood injuries. Babies and young children are especially susceptible — they're curious, small, and have very thin skin.

Burns Awareness Week reminds us to be more conscious of our everyday activities – make sure the hot water tap is out of reach when bathing, keep hot drinks up high out of reach, and keep out of reach or pack away heated devices like hair straighteners.  The home has many potential hazards.

Know the 3Cs – cool it, cover it and call 000

Media contact Michelle Foster : 0427 596 954.