How should minor burns be managed in the field?

How should minor burns be managed in the field?

• A. Apply ice directly to burn
• B. Cool with running water for at least 10 minutes, cover with sterile dressing, avoid applying ice or ointments
• C. Cover with a tight adhesive bandage and keep the area warm
• D. Break blisters to relieve pressure

Answer: (B)

In field burn care, the priority is stopping the burn from causing more tissue damage. Cooling the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes removes heat quickly, which slows the injury and helps reduce pain and swelling. Ice should not be used because it can cause frostbite and additional tissue damage, and running water is safer and effective enough to lower the temperature of the skin. After cooling, cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing to protect the wound from contamination and friction. This helps keep pain under control and reduces the risk of infection while you assess what to do next. Avoid applying ointments or petroleum products to the burn in the field; these can trap heat, complicate assessment, and raise infection risk. Do not break any blisters, since intact blisters act as a natural barrier against infection and help with healing. Keep in mind the larger context: seek medical care if the burn is large, or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a joint, or if there are signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, or pus. If pain is severe or the burn worsens, get professional evaluation.

In field burn care, the priority is stopping the burn from causing more tissue damage. Cooling the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes removes heat quickly, which slows the injury and helps reduce pain and swelling. Ice should not be used because it can cause frostbite and additional tissue damage, and running water is safer and effective enough to lower the temperature of the skin.

After cooling, cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing to protect the wound from contamination and friction. This helps keep pain under control and reduces the risk of infection while you assess what to do next.

Avoid applying ointments or petroleum products to the burn in the field; these can trap heat, complicate assessment, and raise infection risk. Do not break any blisters, since intact blisters act as a natural barrier against infection and help with healing.

Keep in mind the larger context: seek medical care if the burn is large, or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a joint, or if there are signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, or pus. If pain is severe or the burn worsens, get professional evaluation.