What is the priority when dealing with a burn injury?

When dealing with a burn injury, the priority is to stop the burning process and ensure that the airway is patent. This is crucial because the immediate goal in burn management is to prevent further tissue damage and to secure the airway if the burn is severe or involves the face, neck, or chest, where swelling can impede breathing.

Stopping the burning process involves removing the source of the burn, such as extinguishing flames or removing hot materials or liquids, and cooling the burned area with lukewarm (not cold) water to minimize damage without causing further harm to the skin.

Ensuring the airway is patent is also vital, especially in situations where inhalation injuries may occur, which can lead to airway compromise due to swelling. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and improve patient outcomes.

While administering pain relief, applying ice, and assessing for shock and hypothermia are all important aspects of burn management, they come after ensuring that the burning process has stopped and the airway is secure, making them secondary priorities.