Which equipment should be avoided when treating burns from a flash fire?

Topical ointments should be avoided when treating burns from a flash fire because these types of burns often involve significant heat and potential contamination. The use of topical ointments can trap heat and may lead to further irritation or infection, as they can create a barrier that prevents the wound from breathing and healing properly.

For flash fire burns specifically, the priority is to cool the burn area and prevent further damage to the tissue. Cooling measures help to lessen pain and minimize the extent of the burn by reducing skin temperature and circulation to the affected area. Oxygen therapy is also crucial, particularly if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress or smoke inhalation, while IV fluids may be necessary for fluid resuscitation in cases of severe burns. Thus, avoiding topical ointments is critical to ensuring effective care and promoting healing in patients who have sustained burns from a flash fire.