Situation–Reaction (First Aid):\nWhile bursting crackers, a child sustains severe burns on the hand. What is the correct immediate first aid action?

Difficulty: Medium

Immerse the child's hand in cool running water until the burning sensation subsides, then cover loosely with a clean dressing.
Wash the hand with an antiseptic liquid like Dettol straight away.
Send someone to call the doctor without doing anything else.
Apply ointment immediately on the burned area.
Rub ice directly on the burn to numb the pain.

Correct Answer: Immerse the child's hand in cool running water until the burning sensation subsides, then cover loosely with a clean dressing.

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:
Burns are common during fireworks. Immediate first aid can limit tissue damage, reduce pain, and improve healing. The priority is rapid cooling and protection of the wound while avoiding harmful practices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The burn is on the hand and is recent.
Severity is described as severe by lay observation, but exact degree is unknown.
Medical care may be a few minutes away.

Concept / Approach:
The gold standard first step for thermal burns is cooling the area with cool (not icy) running water for at least 10–20 minutes as tolerated. This dissipates heat, limits depth of injury, and provides analgesia. After cooling, cover with a clean, non-adhesive dressing and seek medical evaluation for significant burns.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Remove the child from the heat source; gently remove rings or tight items before swelling begins.2) Place the burned hand under cool running water for 10–20 minutes; avoid ice and very cold water which can cause vasoconstriction and further injury.3) After cooling, cover with a sterile or clean non-fluffy dressing; keep the child warm and comfortable.4) Do not break blisters or apply creams, ointments, toothpaste, butter, or antiseptics initially.5) Arrange prompt medical assessment, especially for large, deep, or hand burns.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cooling reduces ongoing thermal damage; inappropriate substances can trap heat or introduce infection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(b) Antiseptics at this stage can irritate and are not the priority over cooling. (c) Delaying cooling worsens injury. (d) Ointments may seal in heat and are not first line. (e) Ice directly on burns risks tissue damage.

Common Pitfalls:
Applying home remedies; popping blisters; using ice directly; neglecting ring removal before swelling.

Final Answer:
Cool the burn under running water first, then cover and seek care (Option A).

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Situation–Reaction (First Aid):\nWhile bursting crackers, a child sustains severe burns on the hand. What is the correct immediate first aid action?

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