If the chemical is present, use gloves or a cloth barrier before touching the person. Your safety matters.
Carefully cut away or remove contaminated clothing. Avoid spreading the chemical. Cut rather than pull fabric over burns.
This is the single most important step. Cool running water over the affected area for a full 20 minutes. Use a shower for large areas. Do not stop early.
Cover with a clean non-fluffy bandage or cling wrap. No creams, ointments, or neutralizers.
Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for guidance on the specific chemical. All chemical burns need ER evaluation, regardless of apparent size.
Burns hurt — that's your body protecting itself. Cooling it down right now is the single most important thing you can do. You're already helping.
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.
Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.