What is the recommended burn treatment during an in-flight emergency?

• A. Apply ointment and dressing.
• B. Cool the burn with clean water if available, cover with a sterile dressing, and avoid applying ointments.
• C. Ice the burn.
• D. Rub with oil.

Answer: (B)

In an in-flight burn, the priority is to rapidly limit tissue damage and reduce infection risk with simple, practical steps you can perform with cabin resources. Cooling the burn with clean running water helps remove heat from the tissue, lowers pain, and slows tissue damage. Do not use ice, because freezing can worsen the injury. After cooling, protect the area by covering it with a clean sterile dressing to guard against contamination and keep it clean and dry. Avoid applying ointments or creams in this setting because they can trap heat, complicate medical evaluation, and increase infection risk in the cabin. If the burn is large or involves critical areas (such as face, hands, feet, or genitals), or there are signs of airway involvement, seek medical help promptly.