What is the initial field management for burns?

• A. Remove source, cool with clean water, cover with sterile dressing; avoid ointments or ice; assess extent
• B. Apply ointment immediately and cover with adhesive bandage
• C. Scrub with soap, then apply ice
• D. Break blisters to assess depth

Answer: (A)

The initial field management of burns focuses on stopping the injury, cooling the tissue, protecting the wound, and quickly assessing how extensive the burn is to guide further care. The best sequence is to remove the person from the heat source, cool the burn with clean running water, and loosely cover it with a sterile dressing. Do not apply ointments in the field, and avoid using ice, because ointments can trap heat and complicate later treatment, and ice can cause additional tissue injury. After cooling and protection, assess the burn’s extent to determine urgency for medical care. Blisters should not be broken in the field, since intact blisters protect underlying tissue and reduce infection risk.