Which of these types of burns will most likely require flushing with water for at least 20 minutes as part of the treatment?

• A. Thermal Burn
• B. Chemical Burn
• C. Electrical Burn
• D. Radiation Burn

Answer: (B)

Chemical burns cause ongoing tissue injury from the chemical left on the skin or in the eyes. The key treatment is copious irrigation with clean running water to dilute and wash away the chemical, which slows or stops the chemical from continuing to damage tissue. Irrigating for about 20 minutes or longer is how you maximize removal of the agent and minimize injury, which is why this type of burn is the one that fits the scenario best.

For contrast, cooling a thermal burn with water is important to limit damage, but it’s not about removing a chemical and is usually done for a shorter period. Electrical burns require scene safety and monitoring for heart rhythm and other injuries, rather than prolonged irrigation of the burn itself. Radiation burns involve decontamination and wound care as well, but the prolonged water wash is most characteristic of chemical exposures.