What should be checked in a casualty with third-degree burns?

In the case of a casualty suffering from third-degree burns, assessing skin sensation is crucial. Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness burns, damage both the epidermis and dermis, completely destroying the skin's nerve endings in the affected area. This leads to the loss of sensation in the burned skin, which is a key characteristic of such injuries. Understanding the level of skin sensation can help determine the extent of nerve damage and guide treatment decisions.

Checking other factors, while important in the context of patient assessment, does not specifically address the effects of third-degree burns as elucidated by the correct answer. For instance, while assessing pulse and capillary refill time can indicate circulation status, they do not provide direct information related to the burn's severity concerning skin sensory loss. Similarly, evaluating the level of consciousness is vital for assessing a patient's overall condition, but it does not directly relate to the complications or characteristics of third-degree burns specifically. Therefore, checking skin sensation is directly relevant to the assessment and management of such injuries.