NHS issues UK-wide 'serious message' and urges people to follow 20-minute rule

NHS issues UK-wide 'serious message' and urges people to follow 20-minute rule The health service is preparing for the problem that happens every year Every November, the NHS sees a massive surge in patients with similar issues caused by fireworks, bonfires and other celebrations. There is a critical 20-minute rule anyone going near fireworks this week should remember. Some will celebrate Bonfire Night this evening, Thursday, November 5, while others may hold off on plans until the weekend. This leaves a rough four-day window during which the NHS expects to see more cases of people suffering from scalds and burns than any other time of the year. Posting on Instagram today, the NHS said: "THE SERIOUS MESSAGE: Over Bonfire Night weekends, the NHS website info on burns and scalds gets about one visit every 30 seconds. If you get burnt, hold it under cool running water for 20 minutes if you can." The service added that people should consider using NHS 111 for more help if they need it, adding: "They'll help you get the care you need." What to do if you get a burn or scald In most cases, burns and scalds can often be treated at home if they're small. If they're severe, you may need treatment in hospital, the NHS claims. Responding quickly and correctly after the incident can make a massive difference. There are three important steps to soothing a burn or scald. - Hold the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible, within three hours of it happening. If there's no running water available, you can use cool bottled water or a wet towel. - Remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the affected area. Do not remove anything that is stuck to the affected area. - When the burn or scald has cooled, lay cling film over it if you can. Do not wrap the cling film around it. Health experts added that there are certain cases where calling 999 needs to happen. This is only if the burn is "very large or deep" or on a particularly sensitive area like the "face, genitals or bottom". The NHS adds that all cases where the burn has been caused by "acid or chemical, or electricity" should be handled by professionals. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings Things you can do to help while burns and scalds heal The NHS said: "Small burns and scalds can often be treated at home and can take around two weeks to heal. Severe burns and scalds that are large or deep may need treatment in hospital." There are things you can do to help while a burn or scald is healing, such as taking painkillers and using an emollient ointment, which is often thick, oil-based, and deeply moisturising. Some actions can prolong the healing process, such as bursting blisters that form to protect the skin underneath the burn. People should also avoid covering the burn with plasters or sticky dressings, as they increase infection risks and can be very painful to remove.