Administration of Burns First Aid Treatment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in community settings

Objective: This paper investigates Burn First Aid Treatment (BFAT) provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia at the scene of injury using data from a population-based cohort study. Study Design: The participants were 208 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged < 16 years who sustained a burns injury between 2015-2018, and their carers. The primary outcome measure was gold standard BFAT, (defined as at least 20 min of cool, running water within 3 h of the injury); additional measures included type of first aid, length of first aid provided, and carer's knowledge of first aid. Results: Of the 208 caregivers, 168 provided open-ended responses that indicated first aid was applied to their child; however, only 34 received gold standard BFAT at the scene of the injury, 110 did not receive correct BFAT, and 24 were unsure what first aid was applied. Conclusion: This study highlights an important need for communities to have access to appropriate evidence-based and co-designed BFAT education and training.