If a client's clothing catches fire, what should the nursing assistant do first?

When a client's clothing catches fire, the immediate priority is to extinguish the flames as safely and effectively as possible to prevent further injury. Lowering the client to the floor and rolling them back and forth helps smother the flames, cutting off the oxygen supply that fuels the fire. By doing this, the nursing assistant acts quickly to minimize the severity of the burns and the risk of further injuries.

While calling for emergency help is essential, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence. Covering the client with a blanket can be effective, but it should typically be done after the flames have been subdued, as using a blanket on a client who is still burning can potentially spread the fire. Using water may not always be feasible, especially if the client is too close to a source of ignition or if water is unavailable. Therefore, rolling the client back and forth while on the ground is the most direct method to extinguish the flames rapidly.