Burn wounds are easily infected.

Goal: Prevent burn wound infection through wound care. If evacuation to higher level of care is anticipated within 24 hours, simply cover burns with clean, dry gauze and leave intact blisters in place. Always avoid wet dressings, because of the risk of hypothermia. If evacuation is not anticipated for more than 24 hours, and time, medication, and human resources permit, provide wound care as soon as possible after the injury (within the first 24 hours). If resources are not available initially, provide wound care as soon as possible.