Which of the following should be done immediately when administering first aid to a patient with a partial-thickness chemical burn?

When a patient sustains a partial-thickness chemical burn, the immediate priority is to flush the affected area with water. This action serves several critical purposes. First, it helps to dilute and remove the harmful chemical that caused the burn, minimizing further tissue damage. Immediate irrigation with large volumes of water can significantly reduce the severity of the burn by stopping the chemical's action on the skin. The prompt water exposure can also alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection.

In contrast, applying ice to the burn area can further damage the tissue due to extreme cold and potentially lead to frostbite. Covering the burn with a dry cloth may inadvertently trap heat and moisture against the burn, which is not advisable in the case of chemical burns. Similarly, putting ointment on the burn can interfere with the flushing process and may trap the chemical agent against the skin, worsening the injury rather than providing relief or treatment. Therefore, flushing the burn area with water is the most appropriate initial response to mitigate injury and promote recovery.