The best thing to do when you get burned is __________.

Putting cool water on a burn is the best immediate response because it helps to reduce the temperature of the skin and can alleviate pain. Cool water helps to stop the burning process and can prevent further damage to the skin. It is important to use cool, not cold, water to avoid additional injury and to keep the affected area submerged or running under water for several minutes.

This practice is consistent with first aid guidelines, which recommend applying cool water to burns for a set period to provide relief and to begin the healing process. Additionally, this method minimizes the risk of infection and supports proper healing.

Other methods, such as applying ice or tightly wrapping the burn, could cause more harm than good. Ice can lead to frostbite and further tissue damage, while wrapping tightly may trap heat and worsen the burn. Ignoring the burn does not provide any care and can lead to complications.