If someone suffers a burn, what is the first step of treatment?

The first step in treating a burn is to run cool water over the affected area. This action helps to reduce the temperature of the skin, alleviating pain and minimizing damage to the tissue. Cool water can effectively cool the burn site, which is crucial in preventing further injury and managing pain. It is important to use running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes, as this provides adequate cooling and can help to reduce inflammation and prevent the burn from worsening.

Applying ice directly to the burn could potentially cause further tissue damage or frostbite. Covering the burn with ointment before cooling it is inappropriate because it can trap heat and exacerbate the injury. Bandaging the burn tightly is also not advised, as this could restrict blood flow and lead to complications. Therefore, running cool water is the most effective and recommended first step in burn treatment.