What is the first step in providing emergency care to a patient burned by an unknown white powder?

The first step in providing emergency care to a patient burned by an unknown white powder is to brush off the powder before any other actions are taken. This is crucial because the unknown powder may contain harmful or reactive substances that could exacerbate the injury or lead to further complicating effects if water is introduced right away. By carefully brushing off the powder, you reduce the patient's exposure to the potentially harmful material on their skin.

After removing the powder, the focus can shift to irrigating the burns or providing other treatments, as long as it is safe to do so and there is no risk of activating the substance. This initial step prioritizes the patient's immediate safety and helps prevent further injury from the unknown chemical properties of the powder.