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Major burns — DipIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineMajor burnsDipIMC

A patient has thermal burns to the anterior trunk and both arms. The fire is extinguished, no chemical contamination is present and the patient is not hypothermic. What local burn care should begin?

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Correct answer: E — Cool with running water for 20 minutes, then cover and prevent hypothermia

The best answer is “Cool with running water for 20 minutes, then cover and prevent hypothermia”. RCUK first-aid guidance recommends cooling a thermal burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible, then covering it with an appropriate clean non-adherent material while preventing whole-patient hypothermia. Ice can deepen tissue injury, and creams, blister de-roofing or scrubbing complicate later assessment. ABC threats and urgent transfer continue in parallel.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK, 2025 First aid guidelines: https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/first-aid-guidelines