What is the immediate first aid step for burns?

Flooding a burn with cold water is the immediate first aid step because it serves to cool the affected area, which can help reduce damage to the skin and underlying tissues. By applying cold water, the heat from the burn is dissipated, potentially preventing the burn from becoming more severe. This action also helps alleviate pain associated with the burn.

Using cold water is significant in its ability to lower the temperature of the burn quickly, which is critical in the initial moments after the injury occurs. It is recommended to continue cooling the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes to take effect. This method is particularly effective for thermal burns caused by heat, flames, or hot liquids.

In this context, other options such as bandaging tightly could actually trap heat and worsen the injury, while applying a warm, moist compress or immersing the burn in warm water would not alleviate the heat effectively and could lead to increased tissue damage and pain. Thus, flooding the burn with cold water establishes the best immediate response to minimize harm and promote healing.