What is the first step in treating a burn?

The first step in treating a burn is to check the scene for safety. This is crucial because you must ensure that the environment is safe for both the victim and yourself before providing any assistance. If the scene is dangerous—due to flames, chemicals, or any other hazards—approaching the victim could lead to further injury.

It's important to prioritize safety; if you cannot ensure your own safety first, trying to help the victim may result in additional injury to both you and the person affected by the burn. Once safety is confirmed, you can proceed with the appropriate steps to treat the burn effectively.

Other options, such as cooling the burn with ice or applying butter, are not appropriate initial responses as they can further damage the skin or introduce additional complications. Covering the burn with a tight bandage is also not advisable immediately, as the area needs to be assessed and treated properly to promote effective healing.