What is the recommended first action in the event of a minor burn from a hot tool?

The recommended first action in the event of a minor burn from a hot tool is to immerse the burn in cool water. This method is effective because cool water helps to reduce the temperature of the burn area, alleviating pain and minimizing damage to the skin. It should be done immediately to cool the burn and halt the burning process, preventing further injury.

Immersion in cool water can provide relief from pain and help to limit swelling. It is crucial to ensure that the water is not ice-cold, as extreme temperatures can potentially worsen the injury. Keeping the burn in cool water for at least 10 to 20 minutes can be very helpful.

Applying ice directly to a burn can result in additional skin damage due to the extreme cold and can exacerbate the injury. Covering the burn with a bandage without cooling it first would not address the immediate need to reduce temperature and could lead to further irritation. Likewise, applying ointment immediately might seal in heat and fluid, which can worsen the injury or delay healing. Therefore, immersing the burn in cool water is the most effective and recommended first action.