[RN92]

Hey guys, my 10yr old cousin was playing with gunpowder yesterday and lit a match to see what would happen. He'd seen it done in an old wester the day before. Needless to say, he caught on fire. 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Just wondering, the Doc at the burn unit said that hosing him off with COLD water is the worst thing to do.(?). He said it would stop immediate pain but is worse in the long run.The rural hospital had packed him in ice for the transfer. I always thought that you were supposed to wrap them in wet towels. Just looking for clarification. Thanks

[gwenith]

I am not sure about the water but I would NOT repeat NOT pack a burns patient in ice for teh transfer. They loose way way too much heat as it is and would cause hypothermia not to mention interruption of the inflammatory process which has to start to start healing.

[thanatos]

I agree w/ above poster re not using ice. But I don't understand about the Doc's comment about the cold water. Stopping the burning process is number one priority, i.e. douse w/ water. Was he referring to potential long term infections from not using sterile water & burn sheets?

[Pattiecake]

ERslave, I am so sorry to hear of he poor little guy's plight. I hope he isn't suffering too much.
Pat

[goodknight]

I don't understand about what the DR said either. I went to a clinic type thing at AR Children's burn center and they told us that was the best thing to do. I wonder if there's some new research or something on this?

[gwenith]

I have been researching this off and on and I STILL can't find anything about water and gunpowder (although I found some good articles).

Let us know how the little fellow got on Huh???

[Chad_KY_SRNA]

Maybe he was refering for the potential risk for shock with using cold water over luke warm water. Colder feels better but can lead to shock in some cases. I can't think of any other reason to not use cold water.

[clgmezzo]

The cold water is the same priciple as the ice, twofold:
the cold temperature of the ice or water can lower body temp very quickly, its surprising, even cold water will do it
secondly, the tissue is already damaged, and since part of the skin is already gone the cold temp of water, and especially ice will damdge the tiddue farther, sometimes worsening the burn.
our outlying facilites and squads are instructed no cold water, no ice. Wet sterile towels til they arrive at a burn center is best, cool water, but never cold is acceptable.