What is the ideal approach to cooling a severe burn?

The ideal approach to cooling a severe burn is to use running water for at least 10 minutes. This method is recommended because it effectively reduces the temperature of the burned area, which can help minimize skin damage and reduce pain. Running water helps to carry away heat from the burn, and the continuous flow provides more effective cooling than stagnant water.

Additionally, running water is typically at a safe temperature, allowing for prolonged cooling without causing further injury to the skin, such as from ice or water that is too cold. The guideline of a minimum of 10 minutes ensures the cooling effect is sufficient to protect the tissue and prevent further damage.

Using clean, dry towels does not provide the cooling effect needed for severe burns given that it does not lower the temperature of the burn adequately. Submerging a burn in ice-cold water can lead to additional damage and potentially worsen the injury due to the extreme temperature difference. Applying butter is outdated advice and can also exacerbate the burn by trapping heat and causing an increased risk of infection. Thus, using running water for cooling is the safest and most effective method.