When treating a casualty with severe burns, how long should you apply cold water?

Applying cold water to a severe burn is critical for cooling the burn area and helps to reduce pain, swelling, and the risk of further skin damage. The recommended duration for applying cold water is for at least 10 minutes. This timeframe ensures that the skin can cool down effectively, allowing the initial heat from the burn to dissipate.

Applying cold water for less than 10 minutes may not provide sufficient cooling to alleviate pain or minimize damage, while applying it for an extended period without limit might lead to hypothermia or other complications, especially in larger burn areas. Therefore, sticking to a minimum of 10 minutes offers a balance that can help mitigate the immediate effects of the burn while still being cautious about the person’s overall condition.