What is a key consideration when dealing with electrical burns?

When dealing with electrical burns, a crucial consideration is to assess for spinal and head injuries. This is due to the nature of electrical injuries, which often involve high voltage and can lead to significant trauma beyond the visible burns. Electrical currents can cause muscular contractions, loss of consciousness, and even cause the individual to fall or be thrown, potentially leading to head and spinal injuries. Therefore, it is essential to perform a thorough evaluation of the patient's overall condition, including neurological responses and signs of trauma to determine if there are additional life-threatening injuries present.

The other choices do not adequately address the complexity of managing electrical burns. Evaluating only the depth of the burn disregards the systemic effects and potential complications that can arise from electrical injuries. Immobilizing only the area of the burn could overlook critical assessment of the spine and head, which might be injured. Applying ointments immediately is inappropriate for treating electrical burns, especially without a comprehensive assessment, as it may interfere with more critical life-saving measures that need to be taken first. Prioritizing an overall assessment ensures that all aspects of the injury are considered, allowing for an appropriate and effective medical response.