How should thermal and radiation burns be treated initially?

Cooling thermal and radiation burns with saline for 1-2 minutes is an appropriate initial treatment because it helps to reduce the temperature of the burned area, alleviates pain, and minimizes tissue damage. Cooling the burn is crucial in the first moments following the injury, as it can help mitigate the severity of the burn by slowing down the burning process and preventing further injury.

Saline or clean, cool water is ideal for cooling burns, as it is less likely to introduce contaminants that could lead to infection. The 1-2 minute timeframe is sufficient to achieve these effects without causing additional harm. This immediate cooling action can be vital for managing the pain and stabilizing the affected area, making it a recommended practice for first responders.

Other treatment methods, such as applying a cold pack or using ice, may not be suitable as they can potentially cause further skin damage or excessive chilling in the burn area. Additionally, while covering the burn with a sterile dressing is important in subsequent steps for protecting it from infection, initial cooling should be prioritized immediately after the injury occurs.