Step 1: Remove from danger Get yourself or the person away from the source of the burn — fire, hot liquid, hot surface, or electrical source. If clothing is on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Do not run.

Step 2: Cool the burn immediately Hold the burnt area under cool (not cold, not iced) running water for at least 20 minutes. This is the single most important thing you can do. Do not use milk, toothpaste, butter, flour, raw egg, or any traditional remedy — these cause infection and make burns worse.

Step 3: Remove clothing and jewellery Gently remove any clothing or jewellery near the burnt area before swelling starts — but do not pull off anything that is stuck to the skin.

Step 4: Cover the burn Cover loosely with a clean, non-fluffy material — like a fresh bandage. Do not use cotton wool or any material that sheds fibres. Do not burst any blisters.

Step 5: Go to hospital Seek medical care urgently if:

• The burn is larger than the person’s palm
• The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over a joint
• The burn is in a child under 5 or an adult over 60
• The burn is deep, white, brown, or black — or painless
• The burn was caused by chemicals or electricity
• The person is struggling to breathe
• You are not sure of what to do next

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WHAT NOT TO DO ❌ Do not apply toothpaste, butter, ghee, or cooking oil ❌ Do not use ice or ice-cold water ❌ Do not break blisters ❌ Do not wrap tightly ❌ Do not ignore a burn that looks minor — burns can worsen over hours

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IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL: Emergency: 999