New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is the first objective in the care of any burn?

1. Assess the extent of the burn

2. Stop the burning process

3. Cool the burn with water

4. Apply a sterile dressing

The correct answer is: Stop the burning process

The primary objective in the care of any burn is to stop the burning process. This is crucial because continuing exposure to heat or flames will exacerbate the injury, increase the severity of the burn, and lead to further tissue damage. By removing the source of the burn—whether it's chemical exposure, heat, or flames—you prevent additional harm to the affected area. Once the burning process has been halted, subsequent steps can be taken, such as assessing the extent of the burn or cooling the area. Cooling the burn with water is also an important step, but it should only be performed after removing the source of the burn to avoid worsening the situation. Applying a sterile dressing is crucial for protecting the wound but comes after ensuring that no further burning is occurring. Thus, the first and most critical action to safeguard the patient's health and minimize injury is to stop the burning process immediately.