Medical information is easily accessible today, thanks to the internet. You can find a wide range of health tips with just one click of the mouse. While the internet tries to regulate contents that are posted online, it is important that you know how to identify credible sources from popular myths. Here are some of the common first aid mistakes that you should avoid. Read on to learn about essential first aid facts and avoid committing first aid mistakes. Better yet, enroll in a first aid training course to learn how to respond properly in different emergency situations.
- Apply butter to soothe burns.
TRUTH: You might have heard of this first aid treatment a hundred of times, maybe from your parents and friends. The truth is that applying butter can further lead to serious burn and increase the risk of infection. Butter is made of oil which can further fuel the chemical burn process, making it hard for the doctor to treat the burn.
RIGHT ACTION: Run cool water at the affected site. In case of severe burns that start to blister, seek medical help immediately. Loosely cover the affected area with dry, sterile dressing and keep it clean.
2. In case of accidental poisoning, give syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting.
TRUTH: Inducing vomiting may cause further harm, especially for corrosive poisonous substances.
RIGHT ACTION: Call your local poison control center or doctor immediately. DO NOT give anything to drink or eat unless instructed by a doctor or emergency services.
3. Apply tourniquet to stop bleeding of the extremity.
TRUTH: Applying tourniquet can stop the flow of blood and cause tissue death, even permanent damage to the limb. While tourniquet may be used for severe bleeding, it is only done as a last resort.
RIGHT ACTION: Apply sterile gauze pads or cloth over the wound and apply direct pressure. Wrap the wound securely using bandage. Seek medical help if bleeding persists or if the wound is dirty, gaping or due to animal bite.
4. In case of strain, sprain or fracture, apply heat over the affected area.
TRUTH: Heat only increases the swelling which can only hinder the healing process.
RIGHT ACTION: Rest the affected area and apply ice for 20 minutes. However, do not apply the ice directly over the skin. Place a thin barrier between the skin and ice to avoid burns.
5. In a motor vehicle accident, move the injured person away from the scene.
TRUTH: Motor vehicle accidents often lead to spinal cord injury. Usually, an individual with spinal cord injury would appear normal, but any movement can further harm the victim and even lead to death.
RIGHT ACTION: DO NOT move the victim unless: there is clear danger (such as serious hazard or fire), you need to reach another victim with more serious injuries, or you need to provide immediate first aid. Otherwise, it is best to stabilize the victim and continue to monitor while waiting for emergency service to arrive.