Hospitals may look glamorous on Grey's Anatomy, but when you're dealing with real emergencies, the last thing on your mind is McDreamy, McSteamy or any other form of pleasant passing fantasy. Yet to keep the drama — and injury-related trauma — from escalating to the point of no return, a relatively cool head should prevail. And that, as medical pros attest, is more likely to happen once you've acquired a little basic know-how. Based on the advice of real ER docs, we've compiled this print 'n' save guide

Emergency: A cooking-related burn

DIY Action: If skin is red or blistered, you're probably dealing with a first- or second-degree burn, which involves the skin's top two layers. These burns are generally minor, but very painful, says Richard O'Brien, M.D., a Scranton, Penn.-based emergency medicine physician. Cool the burn by running cold water over it (avoid ice, since fragile tissue is susceptible to frostbite), then apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the area with a bandage.
ER Visit Required: If a large section of your skin is affected, or if the area looks black or very dry and whitish, hit the hospital. Larger sections of burned skin are more prone to infection, and a dark or inordinately parched appearance can indicate a serious third-degree burn. Note, too, that third-degree burns are less painful than their second-degree counterparts because they have caused damage to underlying nerves.

Emergency: Choking

DIY Action: If the victim can't breathe or speak, call 911 and start the Heimlich maneuver: Alternate between five back blows between the shoulder blades, and five abdominal thrusts (stand behind the person, place a fist above the navel, and push in and upward) until the blockage is dislodged, says Dr. O'Brien. If you're choking and alone, place a fist above your navel and bend over a hard surface like the back of a chair. Then push your fist in and up, using the surface for extra force.
ER Visit Required: If choking persists, let the paramedics take over.

Emergency: A knocked-out tooth

DIY Action: Call the dentist ASAP — you only have three hours before gum tissues heal, hindering reattachment. Rinse the tooth and try setting it in its socket. Sometimes, explains Kimberly Harms, a dentist in Farmington, Minn., its ligaments will temporarily reglue themselves. If the tooth won't stay put, sit it in a cup of milk — its calcium content will guard against cell damage.
ER Visit Required: If your dentist isn't available, head for the hospital.

Emergency: Chemicals in the eye

DIY Action: Flush the eye with water for 20 minutes, says Thomas Steinemann, M.D., an ophthalmologist in Cleveland.
ER Visit Required: If, after flushing the eye, you experience pain, redness or blurry vision, go to the ER. And even if you haven't experienced symptoms, call your doctor for advice. It's impossible for you to gauge the extent of your injury on your own.

Emergency: A major tumble

DIY Action: If you have a moderate range of motion and can put a little weight on the injured area, you're likely dealing with a minor sprain. If that's the case: Ice the area for 20 minutes every hour for the first day, compress with an elastic wrap and elevate the injury. If your condition doesn't improve after two days, see your doctor.
ER Visit Required: If you experience extreme pain and swelling, or can't put any weight on the affected area, it's time for medical attention.

Emergency: A deep cut

DIY Action: Hold a cloth over the cut and apply pressure for 20 minutes (no peeking — it prevents clotting). Once the bleeding has stopped, gently cleanse the cut with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
ER Visit Required: If bleeding has shown no sign of slowing after 20 minutes, it's possible you've hit a deep blood vessel, which could lead to infection if not treated.

Next page: Essentials to keep on hand