Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

During the cooling of a superficial burn, what is the minimum time recommended for cooling with cold water?

1. 5 minutes

2. 10 minutes

3. 15 minutes

4. 20 minutes

The correct answer is: 10 minutes

The recommended minimum time for cooling a superficial burn with cold water is 10 minutes. This duration is based on the understanding that cooling the burn helps to reduce pain, limit tissue damage, and prevent the burn from progressing further. Cooling the burn for at least 10 minutes allows the heat to dissipate effectively, which is crucial in the first aid response to burns. While cooling for a shorter duration might provide some relief, it may not sufficiently prevent further skin damage. Cooling for longer than 10 minutes can also be beneficial for more severe burns or to provide additional comfort, but the critical point emphasized in first aid guidelines is the 10-minute benchmark. This is why the option indicating 10 minutes aligns with best practices in burn treatment.