First aid myths abound, and most of them have been passed on from generation to generation. You may be guilty of believing some of these inaccuracies, too. Unfortunately, following them may cause more harm than good, particularly in emergencies. That’s why debunking these myths is crucial.
Knowing what to do in life-and-death situations can help save lives. In this blog post, we’ll address some common myths surrounding first aid, providing the correct information and tips to help you respond appropriately. We hope that you find this post both informative and engaging.
Many of these are fundamental lessons you can learn in a First Aid Course Refresher Online.
Myth 1: Peeing on a sting will help
Have you been misled to believe that peeing on a jellyfish sting or any other type of insect bite or sting will relieve the pain? This is a common myth that is easy to bust. While doing this might offer a temporary distraction, it will not reduce the pain nor make the sting go away. Instead of peeing on the wound, consider flushing it with freshwater and applying ointment.
Myth 2: Tilt your head back during a nosebleed
Nosebleeds are scary, and people tend to panic when it happens, leading them to tilt their head back. This is a falsehood, however. Tilting your head back during a nosebleed could cause blood to flow down your throat, leading to vomiting and choking. Instead, sit upright and apply pressure to your nostrils for 5-10 minutes. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 20-30 minutes, it’s best to seek medical help.
Myth 3: Rubbing butter on a burn will soothe it
Many people believe that rubbing butter or oil on a burn is an effective remedy. This is a myth that should be debunked because doing so can introduce bacteria and potentially cause an infection. Instead, run the burned area under cool water for 10 minutes and then cover it with sterile gauze.
Myth 4: Always use a tourniquet to stop bleeding
Even though it’s always important to stop bleeding as soon as possible, using a tourniquet should be a last resort. Tourniquet use can sometimes cut off blood circulation, which can lead to the loss of the limb. If you need to stop bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound or wrap a sterile gauze around it.
Myth 5: Giving water to a person who is choking
If someone is choking, it’s tempting to offer them water to help dislodge the blockage. This is not an effective solution, however. Forcing water down a choking victim’s throat can cause the blockage to become even more lodged in the airway. Instead, have the person lean forward, and give them firm but gentle back blows until the object dislodges.
For most people, first aid knowledge is a combination of lessons accumulated over time, and hearsay passed from one person to another
As a result, a lot of the things we think we know about first aid may not be correct. Knowing the truth can save lives, and it’s vital to ensure that we’re all on the same page when it comes to providing first aid. You can refresh or refine your first aid knowledge by enrolling in a First Aid Course Refresher Online – it’s important to remember that taking first aid courses can improve your odds of handling emergencies more efficiently. Stay safe!
