Burn First Aid in the UK: What to Keep in Your Kit

Burns are one of the most common injuries in UK homes, workplaces and outdoor settings — from hot drinks and oven trays to BBQs and bonfires. Knowing the right first steps and keeping the correct burn supplies in your first aid kit can reduce pain and help healing.

Why Burn First Aid Matters

Quick, correct burn care reduces pain and the risk of complications. Common UK scenarios include kitchen splashes, hot drinks, steam, irons, hair tools, camping stoves and fireworks. For seasonal advice, see our Bonfire Night First Aid and Outdoor & Camping Guide.

NHS Guidance for Treating Burns

• Cool under cool running water for 20 minutes. Don’t use ice or greasy creams.
• Remove any jewellery/clothing near the burn (unless stuck).
• Cover loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
• Do not burst blisters or apply home remedies like butter/oil.

Get urgent medical help for burns that are large or deep, on the face/hands/genitals, chemical or electrical burns, or for babies and young children.

Essential Burn First Aid Kit Supplies (UK)

These items help you treat minor burns after cooling and protect the area while you seek further advice if needed:

• Burn gel sachets or spray — for cooling and pain relief after first-line water cooling.
• Burn dressings — sterile, non-adhesive dressings impregnated with cooling gel; helpful for larger areas.
• Non-adhesive sterile pads — protect without sticking to the wound.
• Cling film — to loosely cover a cooled burn and keep it clean.
• Foil blanket — to help prevent shock in serious cases.
• Nitrile gloves — protect the first aider and the wound.
• Microporous tape & scissors — to secure dressings gently.
• Pain relief (home kits): e.g. paracetamol. Workplace first aiders should follow organisational policy and training.

For a full contents overview, see What Should Be in a First Aid Kit? and our Refills & Restocking Checklist.

How Burn First Aid Supplies Differ from Regular First Aid Kit Items

Burn care requires some specialised items and techniques that differ from a regular first aid kit. While a standard kit is great for cuts, grazes, and sprains, burns need specific supplies that protect the skin without causing further damage.

• Plasters: Standard plasters are designed for cuts and grazes. For burns, you should not apply regular adhesive plasters, as they can stick to damaged skin. Instead, use non-adhesive sterile dressings or cling film after cooling the area.
• Dressings: Regular dressings are made to absorb blood or fluids, whereas burn dressings are hydrogel-based. They cool, soothe, and protect the burn without sticking to the wound.
• Cleaning products: Antiseptic wipes or creams in a typical first aid kit are not suitable for fresh burns. The NHS recommends cool running water as the first step, followed by specialised burn gel if needed — not antiseptic wipes.
• Pain relief: Burn kits may include guidance on pain management or be stocked with larger sterile dressings and burn gels, while regular kits may not focus on burns specifically.
• Packaging: Burn dressings are usually individually sealed in sterile foil packs to keep them moist and ready to use — unlike regular plasters, which are dry and adhesive.

Burn Plasters — Are They Different?

Burn plasters are not the same as standard sticky plasters. In the UK, these typically refer to gel-filled hydrogel pads or non-adhesive film dressings designed to keep the burn moist and protected. You should never apply a regular adhesive plaster directly onto a burn. Always follow NHS advice: cool the burn under running water first, then cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing or cling film.

Burn Dressings vs Burn Gel — What’s the Difference?

• Burn gel: fast, portable cooling and pain relief (sachets, bottles). Useful after initial water cooling or when water isn’t available immediately.
• Burn dressings: sterile pads with cooling gel that stay in place and protect the area — helpful for transport or larger burns.

Workplace kits frequently include burn dressings to align with best practice. For standards context, see BS 8599-1 vs BS 8599-2.

Where Burn Supplies Matter Most

• Kitchens & homes — hot liquids, oils, ovens. See our Home First Aid Kit Guide.
• Workplaces — catering, manufacturing, workshops. Start with Workplace First Aid Kit Requirements.
• Cars & vehicles — especially tradespeople using tools; review the Vehicle Kit Standard (BS 8599-2).
• Schools & nurseries — cookery classes, hot drinks. See School First Aid Kits.
• Camping, BBQs & events — use our Outdoor & Camping Guide and Bonfire Night First Aid.

Replacing Burn Supplies & Keeping Kits Updated

• Check expiry dates on burn dressings and gels — they can expire sooner than other items.
• Inspect after use and replace anything opened or contaminated.
• Store correctly in a cool, dry place; avoid heat and humidity. See our Storage Guide.

Top up supplies with our Refills & Restocking Checklist.

If you’re building or upgrading your kit, explore our range of first aid kits and make sure burn care supplies are included.

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