Basic First Aid — Cuts, Burns, Sprains

You are playing soccer and your friend twists their ankle. Or you are cooking and splash hot oil on your hand. What do you do? Most people freeze or do the wrong thing. Knowing a few simple first aid rules is not just about being helpful. It is about having the confidence to take control in a moment of panic. This knowledge is a superpower you can learn in the next five minutes.

First aid is not about being a doctor. It is about doing the right things to keep a situation from getting worse until professional help can take over. The first rule is always: make sure you are safe. You cannot help anyone if you get hurt, too.Most injuries you and your friends will face are minor. Here is how to handle the big three:Cuts/Scrapes: Stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Once it stops, rinse the cut with clean, cool water and cover it with a bandage.Minor Burns: The only thing you should put on a minor burn is cool running water for at least 10 minutes. Myths like using butter, ice, or toothpaste actually trap heat and make the burn worse.Sprains: For a twisted ankle or wrist, remember RICE: Rest, Ice (use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 15-20...

Lucas, 14, was making fried eggs when the hot oil popped and splashed his hand. It stung badly, and his first thought was to grab an ice cube from the freezer. But then he remembered a video he saw. Ice can damage the skin more. Instead, he went to the sink and ran cool water over his hand. He set a timer on his phone for 10 minutes. It felt like a long time, but he stuck with it. Afterward, the stinging was almost gone. He loosely covered the red spot with a clean bandage. When his mom got home, she looked at it and was impressed. "You did exactly the right thing," she said. "Most people make it worse with ice." Lucas realized that knowing the correct response was more important than just reacting quickly.