Using Water-Jel®: Burns Treatment for First Responders

In Australia, approximately 2,400 people are admitted to hospital each year due to burn-related injuries, according to recent data from the University of South Australia and Royal Adelaide Hospital.

However, a study from the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA) and state trauma services has previously indicated that only a small fraction of burn injuries require hospitalisation, implying that the true incidence may be 10 to 20 times higher than hospital admissions alone.

Effective first aid for burns is critical.

Immediate First Aid

In Australia, first responders follow structured, evidence-based protocols for emergency burns care. For example, Queensland Health and the Queensland Ambulance Service have published Clinical Practice Guidelines for Burns.

For first responders with responsibility for immediate first aid, the primary steps once the patient is in a safe position are to:

1. Cool the burn. The gold-standard approach is to apply cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible
2. Cover the burn. Apply a Water-Jel® Dressing or similar only if the total body surface area is <10% in adults or <5% in paediatric patients
3. Transport the patient to hospital.

However, there are many situations in civilian and military burn trauma when running water is not available. In these cases, Water-Jel® is a versatile and effective substitute, cooling the burn site and relieving pain.

What is Water-Jel®?

Water-Jel® is a water-based, water-soluble gel used for emergency first aid treatment of burns. It is designed to provide immediate cooling of the burn site, pain relief, and protection of the burn injuries, especially in pre-hospital and field settings.

When Water-Jel® is applied as soon as possible, the burn's heat is dissipated, which helps mitigate the risk of the heat progressing deeper into the skin.

What Water-Jel® does

• Cools the burn: Draws heat out of the skin to stop burn progression
• Immediate pain relief: Cools the burn and reduces nerve stimulation
• Protects the wound: Forms a barrier against airborne contaminants
• Prevents further tissue damage: Helps reduce the depth and severity of the burn
• Stops burn progression: Absorbs heat and stabilises skin temperature
• Sterile and non-adherent: Prevents infection and doesn't stick to wounds
• Reduces blistering and tissue damage
• Minimises hypothermia risk compared to extended water immersion.

How does Water-Jel® work? 

Water-Jel® allows an energy exchange between the burn and the gel, cooling the injured skin. The gel's temperature then rises and does not evaporate.

• Water-Jel® is sterile, making it safe to apply
• Water-Jel® is hypotonic. The solution has fewer dissolved particles (like salts) than the fluids inside your body's cells. When applied to a burn, it can draw fluid into the area, helping to rehydrate damaged tissue and soothe the burn area
• Water-Jel® provides pain relief. The gel's cooling effect lowers the skin's temperature, reducing inflammation and slowing nerve signals that cause pain.

New improved formulation

Water-Jel® now contains a new and improved gel formula in response to feedback from various emergency departments. The new gel is clear (instead of opaque), which allows emergency department staff to see what is happening to the burn site without removing the gel.

Water-Jel® is no longer scented with tea tree oil, this is for ease of use in the emergency room, as well as being less detectable in military applications. The change in formula has not affected the consistency of the gel. It won't stick to the surface of a burn injury, which means it does not have to be aggressively removed. Hyaluronic acid and Mikrokill have been added to modulate the inflammatory response and to help protect the wound from infection.

Water-Jel® key features

• Covers, cools, and relieves pain
• Helps stop burn progression
• 96% water content: Mimics the cooling effect of running water but stays in place longer
• Sterile and non-adherent: Won't stick to the wound, making removal easier
• Biodegradable and bacteriostatic: Safe for use in various environments
• 5-year shelf life
• Pre-saturated, new crystal clear gel
• Fragrance-free
• With Hyaluronic Acid and Mikrokill.

Product types

Water-Jel® Burn Dressings

• Size: Available in multiple sizes (e.g., 10x10 cm, 20x45 cm, face masks)
• Use: Applied directly to the burn site
• Purpose: Cools, protects, and relieves pain
• Ideal for: Covering burns on limbs, torso, or face.
  

• Format: Single-use sachets or bottles
• Use: For minor burns or areas difficult to dress
• Purpose: Immediate pain relief and cooling.

Burn Kits

• Contents: Combination of dressings, gels, gloves, and instructions
• Use: For workplaces, vehicles, or field kits
• Purpose: Comprehensive first aid for burn incidents.

Specialty Dressings

• Face Masks: Shaped to fit facial contours
• Hand Wraps: Designed for burns on hands and fingers
• Large Body Pads: For extensive burns on the back, chest, or legs.
  

Explore the range of Water-Jel® products at Midmed or contact us to discuss how Midmed can help you to meet your clinical requirements with Water-Jel®.