A person has sustained a burn from a portable heater. Which of the following should not be done when treating the burn?

A person has sustained a burn from a portable heater. Which of the following should not be done when treating the burn?

• A. Cool the burn with cold running water
• B. Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing
• C. Apply ice
• D. Take steps to minimize shock

Answer: (C)

Applying ice to a burn is not appropriate because it can cause further tissue damage and frostbite, making the injury worse. The recommended first-aid step is to cool the burn with cool running water for several minutes to reduce pain and limit damage. After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection. Also take steps to minimize shock by keeping the person calm, warm, and comfortable. So, the practice to avoid is applying ice; use cool running water instead, and follow with protective dressing and shock management.

Applying ice to a burn is not appropriate because it can cause further tissue damage and frostbite, making the injury worse. The recommended first-aid step is to cool the burn with cool running water for several minutes to reduce pain and limit damage. After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection. Also take steps to minimize shock by keeping the person calm, warm, and comfortable. So, the practice to avoid is applying ice; use cool running water instead, and follow with protective dressing and shock management.