How should you treat a patient with a burn according to protocols?

Treating a burn effectively hinges on understanding the correct steps to mitigate further injury and evaluate the extent of the damage. The correct approach involves stopping the burning process, which could mean removing the patient from the source of the burn or extinguishing flames. This is crucial because any ongoing exposure can worsen the injury.

After stopping the burning process, evaluating the depth of the burn is essential. Burns can vary widely in severity—ranging from superficial (first-degree) to partial-thickness (second-degree) and full-thickness (third-degree or worse). Determining the depth helps in planning further management, such as whether the patient needs specialized care or how to dress the wound properly.

In contrast, applying ice directly to the burn can cause further tissue damage, while covering the burn with lotion may interfere with the healing process or introduce infection. Leaving the area uncovered may expose it to environmental contaminants and further injury. Thus, stopping the burning process and assessing the depth provides a systematic and safe approach to burn treatment.