For partial or full thickness burns, which statement is correct?

• A. COOLING GEL SHOULD BE USED
• B. Begin cooling with cold water for 20 minutes
• C. Apply immediate antibiotic ointment
• D. NO COOLING GEL OR BURNS DRESSING

Answer: (D)

The main idea is to avoid introducing substances to a burn that can interfere with assessment and wound healing. For partial or full thickness burns, the safest first-aid step is to cool the burn with clean running water and protect it from contamination, without applying cooling gels or dressing materials that could trap heat, cause contamination, or conceal the extent of the injury. Saying no cooling gel or burns dressing aligns with that approach, keeping the burn free from ointments or adhesive coverings until proper medical care can be provided. The other options introduce practices that aren’t recommended in this initial management: cooling gels can complicate assessment and may contain ingredients that irritate the wound; applying immediate antibiotic ointment isn’t advised without medical direction and can delay appropriate care; starting with a specific duration of cold-water cooling, especially with very cold water, isn’t a universally endorsed instruction and can carry risks in an aircraft environment.