What is the first step in treating a thermal burn?

The first step in treating a thermal burn is to cool the burned area. Cooling the burn helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues, which can minimize further damage and alleviate pain. It is essential to use cool running water for this purpose, ideally for about 10 to 20 minutes. This immediate action can also help prevent the burn from progressing to a more severe degree.

After cooling the burn, further treatments, such as applying ointments or wrapping the area, can be considered, but they should follow this initial step. Cooling the burn takes precedence as it directly addresses the immediate effects of the heat injury and sets the stage for further care and pain relief.