skip to main content

Thermal burn cooling — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyEnvironmental MedicineThermal burn coolingDipIMC

A 5-year-old has a fresh scald to the chest from hot tea. The burn occurred 20 minutes ago and the child is shivering in a cool kitchen. What is the most appropriate management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: ACool the burn with running water for 20 minutes and prevent systemic hypothermia

Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes and prevent systemic hypothermia is the best answer because early burn cooling reduces depth, but children must be kept warm overall. Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure is less appropriate because over-resuscitation can worsen bleeding when haemorrhage is uncontrolled; Defer treatment until a senior hospital doctor reviews the patient is less appropriate because pre-hospital clinicians must treat immediate threats within scope. Use oral analgesia as the main treatment and Provide reassurance and reassess after transport are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: British Burn Association Pre-hospital Burn Consensus; JRCALC Guidelines