What is the first step when addressing an eye injury?

Identifying the cause of the injury is fundamental when addressing an eye injury because it guides the subsequent steps in treatment. Understanding how the injury occurred can help determine the severity, whether it is a chemical, mechanical, or thermal injury, and what specific first aid measures are appropriate. For example, a chemical burn might require immediate irrigation to flush out the substance, whereas a foreign object may need careful removal. This assessment ensures that the responder can manage the situation appropriately and minimize further damage to the eye or surrounding structures.

The other options, while they may have their own merit in certain contexts, do not provide the foundational information needed to make informed decisions about treatment. Administering medication immediately without understanding the injury could lead to complications. Reassuring the patient is important, but it should follow an assessment of the situation. Encouraging heavy blinking may not be appropriate for all types of injuries and could potentially worsen the condition, depending on the nature of the injury.