The answer

Andy needs to go to accident and emergency because his skin is blistering from the burn. This indicates that the burn is ‘second degree’ – i.e. it involves the entire epidermis and some of the dermis. By comparison, a ‘first degree’ burn involves only the epidermis and, while the skin is usually red and undoubtedly painful, it will usually heal within a few days. The size of the burn is also of concern, as is the fact that it has had butter on it, which will have trapped the heat in rather than cooling it down.

Andy needs to run the affected area under cool water for 15 minutes or longer in order to take the heat out of his skin. He may want to take a simple analgesic such as ibuprofen or paracetamol before seeking medical help so that it can be properly assessed in case he needs antibiotics, stronger pain relief, the blister draining or a sterile dressing. He will need to sit with his leg up as much as is feasible for the next few days, otherwise fluid will collect in the wound.

Miranda should be made aware of the signs of shock, as it is possible for this to develop after a serious burn. Symptoms include pale, cold or clammy skin, a rapid pulse, fast, shallow breathing, yawning and loss of consciousness. If this occurs, it is a medical emergency.