North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is the first degree of burn classified as?

1. Full thickness

2. Partial thickness

3. Superficial

4. Deep

The correct answer is: Superficial

The first degree of burn is classified as superficial. This classification pertains to the depth of the burn, which only impacts the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Superficial burns are characterized by redness, mild swelling, and pain, but they do not cause blistering or damage to deeper layers of skin. Common examples of superficial burns include mild sunburns and small, minimal heat burns. Since they primarily affect only the epidermis, healing typically occurs within a few days without significant medical intervention, often resolving without scarring. This understanding of burn degrees is essential for proper treatment and patient care in any law enforcement or emergency response context.