Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2025 - Free PHTLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cooling the burn area with running water and covering it with a sterile dressing is the best approach for treating burns on-scene. This method helps to immediately lower the temperature of the burn, reducing tissue damage and alleviating pain. Running water cools the burn effectively and can reduce the severity of the injury by stopping the burning process. Covering the burn with a sterile dressing then protects the area from infection and further injury.

In contrast, applying ice directly to the burn can cause additional damage to the skin and underlying tissues due to the extreme cold and potential for frostbite. Furthermore, using ointments or creams immediately without first cleaning the burn can introduce contaminants and increase the risk of infection. Leaving a burn uncovered for air exposure is not advisable, as it can lead to increased pain, risk of contamination, and delays in healing. Proper wound management is critical in burn care to promote optimal outcomes.