# AI tells a user to apply butter or ice to a burn, which is a dangerous first-aid myth that can worsen tissue damage

- **ID:** `emergency/ai-says-burns-should-be-treated-with-butter-or-ice`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `BURN-FIRST-AID-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 90%

## Root Cause

The AI repeats a common but dangerous folk remedy; butter traps heat and can cause infection, and ice causes vasoconstriction and further tissue damage; the correct first aid is cool running water for 20 minutes (20°C/68°F).

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Red Cross First Aid 2023 | active | — | — |
| WHO Burn Guidelines | active | — | — |
| iOS 17 First Aid App | active | — | — |
| Android 14 Burn Care | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **For a thermal burn, immediately run cool (not cold) tap water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or any ointments. After cooling, cover loosely with a sterile non-stick bandage or cling film.** (95% success)
   ```
   For a thermal burn, immediately run cool (not cold) tap water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or any ointments. After cooling, cover loosely with a sterile non-stick bandage or cling film.
   ```
2. **If cool running water is not available, immerse the burn in a bowl of cool water (20°C/68°F) for 20 minutes, or use clean, cool wet cloths changed frequently.** (85% success)
   ```
   If cool running water is not available, immerse the burn in a bowl of cool water (20°C/68°F) for 20 minutes, or use clean, cool wet cloths changed frequently.
   ```
3. **For chemical burns, remove contaminated clothing and flush the burn with copious amounts of cool water for at least 20 minutes while calling poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US).** (90% success)
   ```
   For chemical burns, remove contaminated clothing and flush the burn with copious amounts of cool water for at least 20 minutes while calling poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Tell user to apply toothpaste or egg whites to the burn** — These substances are not sterile and can introduce bacteria; they also do not cool the burn effectively and may need to be scrubbed off later, causing pain. (90% fail)
- **Advise user to pop any blisters that form** — Blisters protect against infection; popping them exposes raw skin to bacteria and delays healing. (95% fail)
- **Suggest using a cold compress or ice pack directly on the burn** — Ice causes frostbite on the damaged tissue and reduces blood flow, leading to deeper injury; cool water is safer. (85% fail)