[at-l] Burn First Aid Report Request {WAS Two questions for thelist - VA - Punchbowl to Tye River}

[jbryankramer at msn.com (J Bryan Kramer)]

If a blister has already formed then the coldwater/ice treatment is too late
from my experience. Of course this is all moot on the trail since most of us
don't hump an ice cooler in. Really cold creek water would probably have
some effect if it wasn't an open wound.

However I did meet a couple in GSMNP who were carrying a 42 QT cooler plus a
5 gal carboy of water in.

Bryan

 Lex et Libertas -- Semper Vigilo, Paratus, et Fidelis!
>
> Well, I suspect the concern was that the water would
> have been used to wash the wound and possibly abrade
> away the blister that had formed. Removing the heat
> and possibly using a splash of water to stop the
> "cooking" would still be my first impulses.
>
> Among the most important things is to avoid the
> temptation to pop or remove the blister. While it
> remains in place, it is a sterile cover for a bad
> wound. Once you have medical care, removal may be a
> good idea to allow topical antiseptic lotions and
> inspection of the wound.
>
> But in the woods, I'd splash it with cold water (not
> ice) and protect the wound the best way feasible. I'd
> elevate the wound if possible.
>
> Bill...
>
> --- Jim Bullard <jbullar1@twcny.rr.com> wrote:
> > That was my understanding too. Just like when you
> > wrap a meal in a cozy and keep it hot to keep on
> > cooking, the damage of a burn accumulates as long
> > as it stays hot....
>