Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

How should you treat a child who has been playing with dry ice?

1. Apply cold compresses

2. Immense in warm water

3. Wrap in a towel

4. Administer pain relief

The correct answer is: Immense in warm water

The most appropriate treatment for a child who has been playing with dry ice is to immerse the affected area in warm water. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, can cause severe frostbite due to its extremely low temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit). This contact can lead to tissue freezing and significant pain. Immersing the affected area in warm water helps to gradually rewarm the frozen tissues, which is crucial in limiting further injury and alleviating pain. The warm water should be comfortably warm, not hot, to prevent additional burns or tissue damage. Other treatments, while they may seem helpful, may not effectively address the specific issues caused by exposure to dry ice. Applying cold compresses would not be beneficial as it would further cool the affected area. Wrapping the area in a towel might provide some insulation, but it does not directly address the underlying frostbite. Administering pain relief could be valuable in managing discomfort, but it does not treat the injury itself. Thus, immersing the affected area in warm water is the most effective immediate treatment for frostbite caused by dry ice exposure.