Do not put ice on any burn injury

Burn injuries are alarmingly common in the U.S. In fact, according to the American Burn Association, almost half a million people need medical treatment for burns every single year. Sadly, many of these individuals suffer burns in car accidents or industrial accidents.

Burns can range in severity from minor to life-threatening. Regardless of whether you have a first-, second- or third-degree burn, you should never put ice on any burn injury. Instead, you should go to the emergency room for treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.

The problem with ice

If you suffer a burn injury, it is advisable to apply cool water to the wound site. Ice is never appropriate, though, as it can cause additional tissue damage. Even worse, icing your burn may numb the area, fooling you to believe your burn is less serious than it actually is.

The benefit of emergency medical care

Regardless of how your burn injury happens, you do not want to leave your overall health to chance. By going to the emergency room for a full medical evaluation, you give doctors an opportunity to determine the severity of your injury. You also help them identify other burn-related injuries and medical conditions that may occur.

The value of a major trauma center

If the ER at your local hospital does not have the expertise or equipment to treat your burn injuries, you may need to transfer to a major trauma center. There, medical specialists are likely to employ a variety of tactics to treat your burn.

Ultimately, even though ERs and major trauma centers are almost always expensive, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation to cover your mounting medical bills.