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First aid myths

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Common First Aid Myths

When it comes to emergency first aid, there are several well-popularised myths about what to do in certain situations. These myths are unlikely to help, and in some cases may even cause harm to the casualty.

Here are some of the most common first aid myths in existence.

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Contents at a Glance

First aid myth 1: Seizures
First aid myth 2: Nosebleeds
First aid myth 3: Fainting
First aid myth 4: Burns
First aid myth 5: Cardiopulmonary Resusc...
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First aid myth 1: Seizures

"If someone is having a seizure (fit) you should place something in their mouth to stop them from biting on their tongue or choking."

Incorrect! - When someone has a seizure, nothing should be placed in their mouth as they may choke/swallow it or injure their teeth. In most cases people's jaws are clenched shut during a seizure, therefore forcing the mouth open could be dangerous to both you and the casualty.

Instead you should let the casualty have the seizure and place them on their side once the seizure has finished. Try and protect the casualty's dignity by moving any crowds of onlookers. Unless the person is known to have regular seizures you should ensure an ambulance has been called.

First aid myth 2: Nosebleeds

"If someone has a nosebleed, they should tilt their head backwards."

Incorrect! - In fact, the best position for someone with a nosebleed is with his or her head tilted forwards. The risk with tilting the head backwards is that blood from the nosebleed will travel into the person's stomach and make them feel sick.

As well as tilting the head forwards, you should ask the casualty to pinch the soft part of their nose for at least 10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after around half an hour, or you are concerned, then seek medical advice.

First aid myth 3: Fainting

"If someone is feeling faint, sit them in a chair with their head in between their knees."

Incorrect - This is not an advisable position for someone feeling faint as if they fall they may suffer a head injury. Instead, if someone is feeling faint you should ask them to sit on the floor (where they cannot fall) in a comfortable position. If a faint does occur, you should lie the person down with their legs raised in order to improve blood flow to the brain.

First aid myth 4: Burns

"You should put butter & toothpaste on burns in order to cool them.

incorrect - This is a common myth when it comes to burns. In fact the best way to cool a burn is with cold running water (such as from a kitchen sink). You should cool a burn as quickly as possible in order to reduce pain and the possibility of long-term skin damage

First aid myth 5: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

CPR

"Doing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) will restart the heart and the person will wake up."

Incorrect - Unfortunately this myth has been propagated by the numerous TV shows and movies where the casualty instantly recovers after CPR has been performed.

In reality, CPR is just buying the casualty time before the arrival of a defibrillator to restart the heart. CPR on its own is incredibly unlikely to restart a person's heart, however it will significantly increase the chances of a successful defibrillation.

Learn more about CPR