After covering a burn with a dry sterile dressing, which should the casualty be placed in to minimize heat loss?

• A. Ice pack
• B. Aluminum heat blanket
• C. Heat reflective shell or blizzard survival blanket
• D. Regular wool blanket

Answer: (C)

Heat loss is a major concern after a burn, because the body's core temperature can drop quickly even with small injuries. The best way to keep a burn casualty warm is to minimize radiant heat loss with a reflective insulating layer that also blocks wind.

A heat reflective shell or blizzard survival blanket does this effectively. Its reflective surface bounces radiant heat back toward the body, and the insulating layer traps a small air gap to reduce convection. This combination helps retain body heat without adding moisture or bulk, and it can be wrapped around the casualty for complete coverage.

Ice packs cool tissue and should be avoided on burns. A regular wool blanket insulates but doesn’t reflect heat as efficiently and may be less effective at preventing heat loss, especially if damp or not fitting snugly. An aluminum heat blanket is similar in concept but a purpose-built reflective shell is typically better for wrapping around the body quickly and securely.