Knowing the basics of first aid is crucial because it can save lives in emergencies. However, many people aren’t sure how to perform procedures like CPR or place someone in a recovery position. Unnecessary deaths could be avoided if more people were educated on these topics. Learning first aid basics is a significant step in this direction. Let’s first clear up some common misunderstandings about first aid that might hinder life-saving efforts.
**The Ambulance Will Arrive Instantly:**
Many believe that as soon as they call, the ambulance will be there in a minute. In reality, it can take 5 to 10 minutes or more to arrive. Those minutes are critical.
**Doing Nothing is Better Than Making It Worse:**
You can’t just do nothing. Some action is usually necessary to keep someone alive. For example, if someone is bleeding and you don’t try to stop it, they could bleed to death. If a person is unconscious but breathing, you need to put them in the recovery position to prevent choking. If they are unconscious and not breathing, it’s better to attempt CPR than to do nothing.
**Hold Your Head Back During a Nosebleed:**
If you thought you should tilt your head back during a nosebleed, that’s incorrect. This can cause the blood to flow down your throat and lead to nausea or vomiting. Instead, lean your head forward, pinch your nostrils, and breathe through your mouth.
**Heart Attack Patients Should Lie Down:**
Lying down can make it harder to breathe. It’s better to sit up with your head and shoulders supported and knees bent.
**Stop Heavy Bleeding with a Tight Tourniquet:**
It might seem logical to use a tourniquet, but this can cause tissue damage by cutting off blood flow. Instead, apply pressure to the wound with a dressing and elevate the limb.
**Never Move Someone After a Car Accident:**
Worrying about spinal injuries is valid, but the person’s breathing is more important. Check their airway by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin.
**Inducing Vomiting After Ingesting Bleach:**
Making someone vomit after they drink bleach can cause more harm. Instead, call an ambulance and give them water or milk to alleviate the burn on their lips.
**Using Fingers to Dislodge an Object in a Choking Person:**
Don’t put your fingers down someone’s throat if they are choking. This can push the object further down. Instead, hit them firmly on the upper back or use abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver). If a child is choking, avoid holding them upside down.
**Putting Something in the Mouth During an Epileptic Seizure:**
It’s thought this prevents tongue biting but can break teeth or introduce a choking hazard. Instead, use a soft object to cushion their head and clear any nearby dangers. After the seizure, monitor their breathing and put them in the recovery position.
**Head Between Legs to Prevent Fainting:**
This position might cause them to fall and get injured. Instead, have them lie down and elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
With these myths debunked, you’re better prepared to act correctly in an emergency and potentially save lives.