What is the first step in treating a chemical eye burn?

The first step in treating a chemical eye burn is to keep the unaffected eye above the affected one. This approach helps to minimize the chance of further injury or contamination to the unaffected eye. In scenarios where a chemical agent has entered one eye, it's crucial to prevent it from spreading or dripping into the other eye.

Flushing the affected eye with water or saline for an extended period is the primary treatment following this initial positioning, as it helps to dilute and remove the chemical from the eye. However, maintaining the position where the unaffected eye is elevated is critical during this initial stage to protect it from exposure.

Other options do not align with best practices in addressing chemical eye injuries. Applying pressure, for instance, could worsen the injury by pushing the chemical deeper into the tissues of the eye. Using ice packs can lead to cold injuries and does not assist in flushing out the chemical. Closing the affected eye can trap the chemical in it, exacerbating the injury instead of facilitating its removal.