First Aid Myths

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First Aid Myths
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• When someone requires first aid, taking the
  right action could mean the difference between
  life and death. In other cases, it could prevent
  an injury from becoming worse. The problem is
  that there are many myths surrounding first aid.
  Knowing fact from fiction will mean that you are
  prepared in any situation.

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Put Butter on Burns

• Butter contains oil, which can cause a burn to
  heat up, therefore exacerbating the injury. The
  best treatment for burns is cool water. Run water
  over the burn for at least 10 minutes, only
  stopping when the person is no longer
  experiencing pain.

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Tilt Back the Head for a Nosebleed

• This used to be common practice, but it is
  actually dangerous. Tilting back the head can
  cause blood to drain into the throat and cause
  vomiting. It is better ask the person to pinch
  the nostrils and breathe through the mouth.

5
Try to Remove the Cause of Choking with Your
Fingers

• Trying to fish out food or a foreign object that
  is causing choking may result in the blockage
  becoming wedged further down the throat. The
  proper first aid technique for choking involves
  back slaps and abdominal thrusts.

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Make a Person Who Has Swallowed Poison Vomit

• Forcing someone to vomit can irritate the airway
  as the poison travels back up, now mixed with
  stomach acid. It is better to call your nearest
  poison centre for instructions or take the person
  to ER. If you do head to a hospital, be sure to
  bring either a sample of the substance or its
  packaging with you. This will help the medical
  professionals provide the most appropriate
  treatment.

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Manage a Heart by Asking the Person to Cough

• There is no evidence to suggest that coughing
  has any impact on a heart attack. If there is any
  indication that a person is suffering from
  cardiac arrest, you need to seek emergency
  medical attention.

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Never Move Someone with a Spinal Injury

• Whereas this is true most of the time, there are
  occasions where it is better to move the person
  for instance, if remaining in the same place puts
  the patient in a life-threatening situation. In
  addition, in the case of vomiting, you should
  move the patient into recovery position.

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• Emergency education training is necessary for
  all health care professionals. Keep up your
  training by enrolling in an Advanced
  Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) EP course or
  an ECG course. Both are offered by The Western
  Institute of Emergency Education.