In the event of a child's clothing catching fire, what is the first action a nurse should take?

In the event of a child's clothing catching fire, the most appropriate first action is to push the child to the ground and roll them. This technique is crucial because rolling effectively smothers the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply, which is essential for the fire to continue burning. It allows the child to safely extinguish the flames without further injury.

Immediate action is critical in fire emergencies, and rolling on the ground is a well-established response that can significantly reduce the severity of burns. Additionally, this action can be performed quickly and effectively before seeking further help or attempting other interventions.

While obtaining water or attempting to remove clothing might seem helpful, these actions might not address the immediate danger of flames. Water may not be readily available, and removing burning clothing can potentially lead to further skin damage or increase the risk of burns. Therefore, rolling on the ground remains the priority until the flames are out and further medical attention can be rendered.