First aid for burn injuries is the key focus of this year's NT Burns Awareness Week in the Northern Territory.

NT Burns Awareness Week is held each year by Royal Darwin Hospital and this year runs from June 26 to July 2.

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, funded by the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, aims to dispel the myth that butter, egg whites and ice are good way to treat a burn.

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

NT Burns Awareness Week reminds us that whether it’s kids bathing under a tap that’s running too hot, being splashed from a hot coffee cup, or being exposed to heated devices like hair straighteners, - burns are a potential hazard in every home.

Media Contact:  Michelle Foster 0459 166 801