For burns over 10% of the body, cover with dry sterile dressings to protect tissue and ease pain

What should be done if a burn covers more than 10% of the body surface area?

• A. Apply ice to affected areas
• B. Use dry sterile dressings only
• C. Immerse the patient in cool water
• D. Cover with adhesive bandages

Answer: (B)

For burns that cover more than 10% of the body surface area, the best practice is to use dry sterile dressings. This approach helps in several important ways. Firstly, covering the burn with a sterile dressing protects the area from infection, which is a significant risk in burn cases due to the loss of skin integrity. Secondly, it helps to minimize further injury to the tissue and reduces pain by preventing exposure to air and contaminants. Using dry sterile dressings allows for better management of the burn until the patient can receive advanced medical care. For larger burns, it is critical to avoid methods like immersing the patient in cool water or applying ice, as these can lead to hypothermia or worsen the burn injury. Similarly, adhesive bandages are not suitable because they may stick to the damaged tissue, complicating treatment and causing additional pain when removed. Therefore, using dry sterile dressings is the appropriate action for managing extensive burns, ensuring that the area is covered, protected, and treated correctly until further medical assistance is available.

Burns can feel like chaos in miniature. A bright, alarming moment happens, and you’re left deciding what to do next. When a burn covers more than 10% of the body, that decision matters a lot more. The right move isn’t fancy or dramatic; it’s practical, steady, and focused on protecting the skin that’s already hurt.

Here’s the thing: bigger burns need to be treated with care that limits infection and reduces pain, while you get the injured person safely to professional care. The key step—often overlooked in the heat of the moment—is to cover the burn with dry sterile dressings. It sounds simple, but that one action sets the stage for better outcomes.

Why dry sterile dressings matter

Think of the burn as an open wound on the surface that’s supposed to be a barrier. When that barrier is damaged, it’s easier for germs to slip in and for pain to flare up. Dry sterile dressings do a few important jobs at once:

• Infection protection: A clean, sterile dressing acts like a shield against dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that love a freshly burned patch of skin.

• Pain management: Covering the burn reduces exposure to air and cold air that can sting, itchy, or cause further discomfort.

• Tissue protection: Dressings help keep the damaged tissue from rubbing against clothing or other surfaces, which can worsen injury.

• Transport readiness: A clean dressing minimizes mess and makes it safer and easier for EMS or hospital staff to assess and treat.

Now, let’s clear up the common missteps. In the heat of the moment, it’s tempting to reach for a quick fix, but there are better choices.

Why not ice, cool water, or bandages?

• Ice or ice-cold water: It might feel soothing at first, but it can actually damage tissue already compromised by the burn. Prolonged cooling can also lead to hypothermia, especially in larger areas or in children and older adults.

• Immersing in cool water: Submerging a big burn can cause temperature shifts through the body and create excess fluid loss. It’s not a good idea once the burn is sizeable.

• Adhesive bandages: They can stick to the burned tissue and reopen wounds when you remove them. That’s painful and complicates care.

• Wet dressings or ointments: These can trap heat or moisture in ways that promote infection. They also make it harder for responders to evaluate the burn.

What to do instead, step by step

If you’re first on the scene, stay calm and follow a straightforward sequence. The goal is to protect the area, keep the person stable, and get professional help as soon as possible.

1. Ensure safety and check basics

• Move the person away from the heat source.

• If the person is conscious, ask simple questions and check for breathing. If there are breathing problems or signs of shock (pale skin, cool sweat, confusion), call for help immediately.

• If jewelry or tight clothing sits near the burn and it isn’t stuck to the burned skin, remove it. If something is stuck to the skin, don’t pull it off.

2. Stop the burning process without causing more harm

• If the skin is still hot, you can gently remove the source of heat and let it cool briefly. Avoid running water over large areas—let the body gradually cool, if at all possible.

• Do not apply ice. Do not try home remedies that involve grease, toothpaste, or butter.

3. Shield the burn with dry sterile dressings

• Wrap the burned area with dry, sterile dressings or a clean, dry cloth. The goal is to create a clean barrier that won’t shed fibers or stick to the wound.

• Do not rub the dressing in; place it gently and ensure it covers the burn completely, including surrounding skin where appropriate.

• If the burn is on a limb, you can loosely bandage it in a way that won’t cut off circulation.

4. Monitor and prepare for transfer

• Keep the person warm with a light blanket. Shock is a real risk with larger burns, and staying warm helps.

• If you have to wait for transport, keep reassessing breathing, color, and responsiveness. Offer water only if the person is fully awake and able to swallow without risk of choking.

5. Avoid giving foods, medicines, or home remedies unless instructed

• Don’t give aspirin or other medications unless a medical professional has advised it. Some burns have hidden risks, and timing matters in a real emergency.

What to expect after you’ve applied dressings

Once the dry sterile dressings are in place, most of the heavy lifting shifts to hospital or EMS teams. They’ll assess the depth and extent of the burn, look for signs of complications, and decide on procedures such as fluid management, infection control, and pain relief. For larger burns, early professional care can make a big difference in recovery and comfort.

A few practical notes that help you stay prepared

• Prehospital priorities: In EMS language, the focus is on airway, breathing, circulation, and exposure. A large burn fits into all of those priorities, so you’ll often see a rapid response plan that includes protecting the wound, monitoring vitals, and preparing for transport.

• Documentation matters: If you’re the first responder, note the size of the burn, where it is on the body, and what treatments were applied. This helps the next team pick up right where you left off.

• Comfort and communication: Big burns are scary. A calm tone, clear explanations, and reassurance can help reduce anxiety for the person and for bystanders.

Common situations and quick analogies

• Think of a burn like a storm-damaged fence. When a fence gets burned, you don’t pile on more debris or slap on a dab of ointment and hope for the best. You clean it up, put a clean cover over it, and secure the area so it can heal without extra harm. The dry sterile dressing is the clean cover that buys you time and protects the vulnerable edges.

• In the field, time matters, but not at the expense of safety. Cover first, call for backup, and keep the patient warm. The rest will follow once trained hands arrive.

A concise takeaway you can tucked into memory

• Do: Cover with dry sterile dressings to protect and reduce pain.

• Don’t: Use ice, immerse in cold water, or slap on adhesive bandages.

• Do more: Get professional care as soon as possible and monitor for signs of shock or trouble breathing.

• Keep calm: Your steady presence helps the person stay safer and more comfortable.

One more thought before we wrap

Burn care isn’t glamorous, but it’s something you’ll use more often than you might expect. The principle behind the dry sterile dressing is straightforward: create a clean, protective barrier that buys time and reduces risk while professional care is arranged. It’s the kind of practical wisdom that makes the difference between a rough moment and a recoverable one.

If you’re curious about how this approach fits into the bigger picture of emergency medicine, you’ll see it echoed in other first-aid essentials: safeguarding airway, controlling bleeding, and recognizing when to call for help. Each step is a reminder that careful, deliberate actions—done in the right order—can spare a lot of pain and protect life.

In the end, the goal is simple: cover, protect, and get to advanced care. For burns that span a sizable portion of the body, that cover is the crucial first act, and the reasoning behind it is practical, not magical. It’s about staying steady, thinking clearly, and giving the body the best chance to heal. And that, honestly, is the kind of clarity that makes a big difference when minutes feel like hours.