What is the recommended immediate care for a severe burn?

The recommended immediate care for a severe burn involves cooling the area with running water for at least 10 minutes. This action is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to lower the temperature of the burn, which can minimize tissue damage and reduce the severity of the injury. Cooling the burn can also help alleviate pain and prevent further injury from the heat.

Using cool running water instead of ice is important because ice can cause additional damage to the skin and underlying tissues, potentially leading to frostbite. Similarly, covering the burn with a sterile dressing is beneficial for later stages of treatment to protect the area and keep it clean, but it should not replace the initial step of cooling the burn. Topical ointments are generally not recommended for immediate care of severe burns, as they can trap heat and worsen the injury.

By starting with cooling the burn through running water, the risk of complications, including infection and deeper tissue damage, can be significantly reduced, leading to better outcomes for the patient.