When treating a burn on board, which practice should be avoided?

• A. Applying ointments to the burn.
• B. Cooling with clean water.
• C. Covering with a sterile dressing.
• D. Not seeking medical help.

Answer: (A)

In treating a burn on board, the goal is to limit further tissue damage, prevent infection, and keep the wound easy to assess. The practice to avoid is applying ointments to the burn. Ointments can trap heat and moisture, which can worsen the injury and make it harder to judge burn depth or progression. They may also contaminate the wound or cause an allergic or adverse reaction, and in a cabin with limited sterile supplies, they complicate care and later medical treatment. Instead, cool the burn with clean running water to reduce damage, and cover it with a sterile dressing if available to protect against contamination. Seek medical help as soon as possible, especially for larger or deeper burns or burns on sensitive areas. The other steps—cooling with water and covering with a sterile dressing—are appropriate, while delaying or avoiding medical care is not advisable.