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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.
gwenith, BSN, RN
3,755 Posts
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.