What action should be taken if a person's clothing catches fire?

When a person's clothing catches fire, the most effective immediate response is to roll them on the floor or wrap them in a coat. This action serves to smother the flames, cutting off the oxygen supply that fuels the fire. Rolling on the floor helps to extinguish the flames by extinguishing their source of oxygen, while wrapping the person in a coat can also shield the fire from getting more air, further helping to put out the flames.

In contrast, pouring water on the person might not be effective and could potentially worsen the situation, especially if the flames are fueled by flammable materials that do not respond well to water. Running outside to get help delays necessary first aid and might result in further injury. Using a dry chemical extinguisher is typically intended for fires in controlled environments and is not practical in this scenario where a person's clothing is ablaze. Promptly smothering the flames is crucial for the safety and well-being of the individual in this situation.