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Treatment for a superficial burn victim should consist of the officer doing which of the following FIRST?

  1. Saturate burned area with water

  2. Care for shock

  3. Monitor vital signs

  4. Administer medication for pain

The correct answer is: Saturate burned area with water

In the case of a superficial burn, the priority is to cool the burned area to minimize damage and reduce pain. Cooling the burn with water helps lower the skin temperature, which can prevent deeper tissue injuries and alleviate pain. It's important to use clean, cool (not cold) water and apply it for a period of time to ensure better outcomes. This immediate cooling action is crucial in the initial management of burns. Other considerations such as caring for shock, monitoring vital signs, or administering medication for pain are important but should come after immediate cooling has started. These subsequent steps can help address potential complications and patient comfort but do not replace the necessity of cooling the burn first. The timely application of cooling measures can significantly impact the healing process and overall prognosis for the burn victim.