can I eat first year rhubarb

you should leave them on in the 1st year and next year you will get a bigger crop.

as long as you dont take more than 1/3 of the stalks you will be fine.

I agree with sbg just don't take too much

And careful when pulling it as the roots may not ventured out and may be damaged if a stalk is pulled a bit firmly!

Cut instead of pulling

On a young plant i would cut, but its better to pull in general when established? Just checking!

Yes normally I would pull but not in first year or two

Just had my first ruhubarb pie this week my plant was bought early this year and has flourished with at least ten good stems, so there is no reason not to pull a few in its first year as long as you leave most of the stems on for its first year.