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Paediatric scald burn — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyEnvironmental MedicinePaediatric scald burnDipIMC

A 6-year-old child spills boiling water over the chest and arm 15 minutes before you arrive. The child is crying, and the burn is painful and blistering. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes while preventing hypothermia

Thermal burns should be cooled with cool running water for 20 minutes as early as possible while keeping the child warm overall. Ice can cause tissue injury and hypothermia. Butter and blister bursting increase contamination and harm. The pearl is that cooling the burn and warming the patient must happen together.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; British Burn Association first aid guidance