What is a standard field approach to burn injuries?

• A. Cool with running water, cover with sterile dressing, provide analgesia, evacuate for more severe burns
• B. Apply ice directly, rub with oil, no evacuation
• C. Leave untreated and observe
• D. Use dry heat to stop bleeding

Answer: (A)

Cooling burns with cool running water immediately after injury minimizes tissue damage by removing heat, eases pain, and reduces swelling. Avoid applying ice directly, which can cause further tissue injury. After cooling, cover the burn with a clean sterile dressing to protect it from contamination and friction. Provide analgesia to help manage pain, and assess the burn to determine if evacuation is needed—more severe burns or those involving critical areas (like the face, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or a large total body surface area) should be evacuated for higher-level care. This combination—cooling, protecting the wound, pain control, and timely escalation—embodies the standard field approach. Practices like applying ice or oils, leaving burns untreated, or using dry heat are not appropriate in this context and can worsen outcomes.