What should be done first in case of a chemical burn?

The appropriate initial action in the case of a chemical burn is to brush the chemical off the skin dry away from you. This step is critical because it helps to remove any solid chemicals that may be clinging to the skin, which could continue to cause damage if left in contact. By brushing it off, you reduce the amount of the chemical that remains on the skin, thereby mitigating the burn's severity.

In this scenario, the first response focuses on physical removal of the hazardous material rather than immediate application of water or covering the area, which might not be suitable depending on the type of chemical involved. Some chemicals can react adversely with water, potentially causing more harm, and covering a chemical burn with a bandage without first addressing the chemical present may trap the chemical against the skin, exacerbating the injury. Therefore, the priority must always be to safely eliminate the chemical substance before taking additional steps in treatment.