Hold the burned area under cool (not ice cold) running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. Start now — even a minute's delay reduces effectiveness. Set a timer.
Gently remove rings, watches, or tight clothing before swelling starts. Cut clothing away carefully — never pull over a burn.
Use cling wrap layered lengthwise, a clean plastic bag, or a sterile non-fluffy dressing. Cover loosely — it protects from air and bacteria without sticking to the wound.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen help with pain. Keep the person warm with a blanket over unaffected areas — burns cause significant heat loss and shock can follow even from moderate burns.
Burns needing ER: larger than 3 inches or the size of your palm, on face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints, white/brown/black or painless (full thickness), any burn in a child under 5, or caused by electricity or chemicals.
Scrapes sting sharply and look dramatic — that's completely normal. They're almost always surface level. You've got this.
Bruises look alarming — that vivid colour is just blood that pooled under the skin. It's almost always harmless and it will fade.
Sunburn often hurts more the next day than right now. Acting tonight will protect you from the worst of it.
Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.