Australian First Aid Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

Immersing the burn in cold water is essential for effective burn management because it helps to cool the affected area and reduces pain. This process also aids in preventing the burn from progressing to more severe damage by dissipating heat and minimizing tissue injury. Cooling the burn with cold water for at least 10 to 20 minutes can also help mitigate swelling and might reduce the risk of scarring.

In cases of burns, applying cooling methods like lukewarm or cold water is preferred over using items like butter or ice, which can cause more harm than good. Using butter doesn't provide the cooling effect necessary to alleviate pain or protect the skin, while ice can lead to frostbite and additional skin damage due to the extremely low temperatures. Wrapping a burn tightly with a bandage may restrict blood flow and can worsen the injury, making it counterproductive in the initial management phase.