9.9 Survival
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9.9.10 Excursion: The (Mis)Adventures of Team Trek
Second Trouble: The Burn
During lunch, Amara accidentally knocked over the camp stove, and boiling water splashed onto her arm.
Amara: "Ow! That’s hot!" Kai: "Run water over it! Not ice, not ointment!" Luis: "Can we at least put some ketchup on it?" Zara: "Luis, stop. Amara, keep cooling it for at least 10 minutes. We’ll cover it with a clean cloth after that. It’ll sting for a few days but should heal on its own." Kai: "If it starts blistering badly or looks worse tomorrow, we’ll need a doctor." Amara: "Great, my arm looks like a toasted marshmallow." |
How to Treat Burns
Cold water is a burn’s best friend, simple and effective for pain relief and promoting healing.
- Cool the Burn Immediately
- Place the burned area under cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes.
- If running water isn’t available, use a clean, cool (not icy) compress or cloth.
- The goal is to reduce pain, stop the burning process, and minimize tissue damage.
- Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t apply ice: It can damage the skin further.
- Don’t use ointments, butter, or creams: These can trap heat in the burn and delay healing.
- Don’t break blisters: They protect the skin underneath.
- Cover the Burn
- After cooling, cover it with a clean, dry, non-stick dressing or cloth to protect it from infection.
- Avoid tight bandages.
- When to Seek Medical Help
- If the burn is larger than the size of your palm.
- If it’s on a sensitive area (face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals).
- If blisters are large or signs of infection appear (redness, swelling, or pus).
- Recovery Expectation
- Minor burns (redness without blisters) usually heal within 7-10 days.
- Keep the area clean and dry while it heals.
- Have you ever burned yourself while cooking or doing something else? What did you do immediately afterward?
- Imagine a friend burns their hand but insists on using ice to cool it. How would you explain the correct approach to them?