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

What is the first action you should take for a burn caused by dry chemical?

1. Brush the chemical off the skin

2. Rinse the skin with water

3. Apply a topical medication

4. Cover the burn with a dressing

The correct answer is: Brush the chemical off the skin

In the case of a burn caused by dry chemicals, the first and most crucial action is to brush the chemical off the skin. This is essential because dry chemicals can continue to cause damage to the skin as long as they remain on the surface. By physically removing the chemical, you prevent further injury and minimize the risk of additional burns or complications. Brushing off the chemical helps to eliminate the source of irritation and neutralizes any ongoing chemical reaction on the skin. After the chemical has been removed, rinsing with water can then be considered to further cleanse the area, but it should not be the initial step in the management of a dry chemical burn. Other options, such as applying topical medications or covering the burn with a dressing, are typically done after the initial removal of the chemical to manage the burn itself and protect the area. It is critical to ensure that the chemical does not continue to affect the skin before moving on to these subsequent treatment steps.