What is the recommended action for treating a patient with a white phosphorus burn?

For treating a patient with a white phosphorus burn, the recommended action is to apply petroleum gauze to effectively "smother" the burn. White phosphorus is a highly reactive substance that ignites upon exposure to oxygen. Therefore, the key to managing these burns involves depriving the substance of oxygen to prevent further combustion and injury.

Using petroleum gauze helps create a barrier that limits the oxygen available to the phosphorus particles, thereby minimizing the risk of the burn continuing to spread or worsen. It's crucial not to immerse the affected area in water, as this can inadvertently enhance the reaction and lead to deeper tissue damage. Similarly, covering a white phosphorus burn with ice or saline can exacerbate the situation, as these actions do not address the underlying chemical reaction taking place. They may also introduce additional complications or extend the exposure time of phosphorus to the tissue.

This treatment approach emphasizes the importance of controlling the specific risks associated with white phosphorus burns and highlights the unique methods required to manage chemical injuries compared to thermal or other types of burns.