37.25. How should first aid be provided in case of a thermal burn on the road?
UAЯк надати домедичну допомогу в разі термічного опіку в дорозі?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the basic actions a driver should take if people are injured on the road. In real traffic accidents or emergency situations, thermal burns can occur due to flames, hot liquids, or heated car parts, and the correct first steps determine the depth of the injury and the risk of infection. That is why the theoretical driving test includes knowledge not only about driving but also about providing first aid.
The question checks the driver's understanding of their duty to act to save victims in accordance with Section 2 "Duties and rights of drivers," clause 2.10 "g" of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: to take possible measures to provide first aid and call medical professionals. In the case of a thermal burn, the primary course of action is simple: stop the effect of high temperature (evacuate from heat, extinguish flames on clothing) and protect the burn surface from contamination by covering it with a dry aseptic dressing made of sterile material, or if unavailable, with a clean cotton cloth.
The analysis of answer options explains why the approach with a dry dressing is correct: the first option suggests puncturing blisters and applying petroleum jelly or oil, which is strictly not recommended as it increases the risk of infection, complicates tissue cooling, and may worsen the condition. The third option is incorrect, as it tries to equate proper actions with dangerous "home remedies." For preparation for the theoretical exam, it is important to remember the logic: in case of a burn, the wound is not "treated" on site with greasy substances or alcohol and blisters are not injured; instead, the heat exposure is stopped and the injury is covered with a clean, dry dressing until medical help is provided.
Clause 2.10, subclause "g" (Section 2 "Duties and Rights of Drivers")
"In the event of involvement in a road traffic accident, the driver is obliged to: ... take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims, call for emergency medical assistance, as well as report the incident to the relevant unit of the National Police."
Explanation of application: this exam question checks the understanding of the driver's obligation to "take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance." In the case of a thermal burn, such primary measures include stopping the effect of high temperature (removing/evacuating from the heat zone) and covering the burn surface with a dry aseptic dressing (or clean cloth) to protect the wound from infection.
That is, the correct answer is "Remove the victim from the high-temperature zone, apply a dry aseptic dressing or clean cotton cloth," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to take possible measures to provide pre-medical assistance to the victims, which in the case of a thermal burn means stopping the damaging factor (high temperature) and protecting the burn surface with a dry aseptic dressing.
In a road situation, a thermal burn most often occurs due to flames, hot liquids, or heated parts. The first thing a driver or witness should think about is stopping the effect of high temperature, otherwise the injury will deepen every second. Therefore, the victim should be moved or carried away from the source of heat as quickly as possible, and if clothing catches fire, the flames should be extinguished (for example, by covering with a dense fabric to block air access).
Next, it is important not to further injure the burned area. If part of the clothing is stuck to the skin, it should not be removed so as not to tear damaged tissues and cause bleeding or infection. You should also avoid touching the burn surface with your hands.
After the heat source has been eliminated, the burn area should be protected from germs and mechanical irritation. For this, a dry aseptic dressing made of sterile bandage or an individual first aid kit package is applied. If there is no sterile material, it is acceptable to use clean cotton fabric as temporary protection, as long as it is dry and clean.
The logic of this answer is as follows: in the case of a burn, the main thing is to stop the heat exposure and cover the wound to prevent infection. That is why "home remedies" such as oil, creams, sour cream, alcohol solutions, or piercing blisters are prohibited: they increase the risk of infection and complicate further treatment, and sometimes even intensify the pain.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Remove the victim from the high-temperature zone, apply a dry aseptic dressing or clean cotton fabric," since it is essential to stop the high temperature exposure and protect the burn site with a dry clean dressing, without worsening the condition with prohibited treatments.