In the event of a burn, what is the priority action?

Cooling the burn with running water is the priority action because it helps to reduce the skin temperature, minimizes tissue damage, and alleviates pain. Immediate cooling can limit the burn's depth and severity, which is crucial in the initial management of burn injuries. Running water effectively dissipates heat from the burn area, preventing further injury and complications.

Applying ointment right away is not appropriate in the initial treatment of a burn, as it can trap heat and worsen the injury. Wrapping the burn tightly is also not recommended because tight wrapping can restrict blood flow and cause additional damage to the affected tissue. Covering the burn with ice can lead to ice burns and further tissue damage, making it an unsuitable choice for treatment.