What is the first step in managing a patient with severe burns?

The first step in managing a patient with severe burns is to stop the burning process. This is crucial because it helps to minimize further injury to the skin and underlying tissues. Stopping the burning process involves removing the patient from the source of the burn, extinguishing flames, or cooling the burned area with running water if appropriate. This action is fundamental in burn care as it addresses the immediate threat to the patient's well-being and prevents additional damage.

Once the burning process has been stopped, subsequent steps such as wrapping the burns in sterile dressings, administering pain relief, and transporting the patient to a hospital can be undertaken to ensure proper treatment and care. However, these actions cannot effectively address the problem if the burning continues. The priority is always to ensure the patient is no longer in harm's way.