According to burn treatment protocols, what percentage of body surface area (BSA) for superficial and partial thickness burns can have wet dressings applied?

In burn treatment protocols, the application of wet dressings is specifically recommended for superficial and partial thickness burns when the affected body surface area (BSA) is between 5% and 10%. This percentage is significant due to the need to balance effective treatment with patient safety.

When burns exceed this percentage, the risk of complications, such as significant fluid loss and infection, increases, necessitating more complex treatment approaches. Wet dressings serve various functions, including providing pain relief, protecting the burn from infection, and maintaining moisture to aid the healing process. By restricting the use of wet dressings to this percentage range, protocols ensure that the benefits of this treatment method are maximized while minimizing risks to the patient.

Understanding this guideline is crucial for EMS professionals as it helps them provide appropriate care and make informed decisions regarding burn management in different situations.