Burns & Scalds

What is the first action in treating a burn?

• AApply ice directly to the burn
• BApply butter or oil
• CCool the burn with running water for 10-20 minutes✓
• DCover with a dark bandage

Answer: Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes to reduce pain and limit tissue damage. This is the most important first action.

What is a first-degree (superficial) burn?

• AThe most severe type of burn
• BAffects only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain but no blistering✓
• CCharacterized by blistering and deeper tissue damage
• DCauses charring of the skin

Answer: A first-degree burn affects only the epidermis (outer skin layer), causing redness, pain, and possible slight swelling but no blistering.

What is a second-degree (partial thickness) burn?

• AOnly involves redness with no pain
• BInvolves blistering, severe pain, and deeper tissue damage affecting the dermis✓
• CAlways requires amputation
• DNo treatment is needed

Answer: A second-degree burn damages the dermis layer, causing severe pain, blistering, redness, swelling, and possible weeping of fluid.

What is a third-degree (full thickness) burn?

• AThe most minor type of burn
• BAffects all skin layers and underlying tissues, appearing white, brown, or charred✓
• COnly causes minor redness
• DAlways heals without scarring

Answer: A third-degree burn destroys all skin layers and may damage underlying muscle and bone. The skin appears white, brown, or charred and may be painless.

When should you remove clothing from a burned area?

• AImmediately and forcefully
• BOnly if the clothing is stuck to the skin
• CGently remove loose clothing, but leave any that is stuck to the skin✓
• DNever remove clothing

Answer: Remove loose clothing from the burned area, but do not attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to the skin as this can cause further damage.

What should be used to cool a chemical burn?

• ASpecific neutralizing agents
• BCool running water for 20-30 minutes to dilute and remove the chemical✓
• COil or cream
• DDry cloth only

Answer: Flush the chemical burn with cool running water for 20-30 minutes to dilute and remove the chemical. Continue until paramedics arrive.

What is the correct treatment for an electrical burn?

• AApply ice immediately
• BEnsure the electrical source is switched off, cool the burn with water, and call 999✓
• CApply a tourniquet
• DGive the casualty stimulants

Answer: For electrical burns, switch off the electrical source, cool the burn with water, and call 999. Electrical injuries can cause internal damage.

What should you do if someone's clothing is on fire?

• ARun to find water
• BLie them down and roll them on the ground to smother the flames
• CUse a fire blanket or have them 'stop, drop, and roll', then cool the burns✓
• DLeave them to cool themselves naturally

Answer: Have the casualty lie down and roll them on the ground or use a fire blanket to smother flames. Then cool the burned area with water.

How should you treat a severe scald from boiling water?

• AApply ice directly
• BImmerse in very cold water
• CCool under running water for 10-20 minutes, remove wet clothing, and call 999 for extensive burns✓
• DApply oil or butter

Answer: Cool under running water for 10-20 minutes. Gently remove wet clothing that is not stuck to the skin. Call 999 for extensive scalds.

What should not be applied to a burn?

• ACool water
• BClean dry dressings
• CIce, butter, oil, or toothpaste✓
• DSterile gauze

Answer: Do not apply ice, butter, oil, cream, or toothpaste to burns. These can trap heat and cause further damage. Use cool water and sterile dressings.

What size burn requires emergency medical attention?

• AAll burns require medical attention
• BOnly burns larger than 5 cm
• CBurns larger than the casualty's hand (3% body surface area) or affecting the face, joints, genitals✓
• DOnly third-degree burns

Answer: Seek emergency help for burns larger than 3% of body surface area, or affecting sensitive areas like the face, hands, joints, or genitals.

How should you dress a burn after cooling?

• AApply a tight bandage immediately
• BLeave it exposed to air
• CApply a sterile, non-adhesive dressing that won't stick to the burn✓
• DApply cream or ointment

Answer: Use a clean, sterile, non-adhesive dressing (cling film can be used for larger burns). Do not apply creams, ointments, or adhesive dressings.