Debunking Common First Aid Myths You Should Stop Believing
- Instructor
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
First aid knowledge can save lives, yet many people hold onto myths about first aid that can cause more harm than good. These misconceptions often come from outdated advice, movies, or hearsay. Believing and acting on incorrect information during an emergency can delay proper care or worsen injuries. This post clears up some of the most common first aid myths and explains what you should do instead.
Myth 1: You Should Always Put Butter or Ointment on a Burn
Many people think applying butter, toothpaste, or ointments to a burn helps heal it faster. This is one of the most widespread myths about first aid. In reality, these substances can trap heat in the skin and increase the risk of infection.
What to do:
Cool the burn immediately with cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 20 minutes.
Cover the burn with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or sterile dressing.
Avoid breaking blisters or applying creams unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Seek medical help for severe burns.
Cooling the burn reduces pain and limits tissue damage. Butter and ointments interfere with this process and can worsen the injury.
Myth 2: You Should Tilt the Head Back to Stop a Nosebleed
Many people believe tilting the head back during a nosebleed prevents blood from dripping out. This myth can cause blood to flow down the throat, leading to choking or vomiting.
What to do:
Sit upright and lean slightly forward.
Pinch the soft part of the nose just below the bridge firmly for 10 to 15 minutes.
Breathe through your mouth during this time.
Avoid lying down or tilting the head backward.
Leaning forward prevents blood from entering the throat and helps you monitor the bleeding. If bleeding continues beyond 20 minutes or is heavy, seek medical attention.
Myth 3: You Should Give Water to Someone Having a Seizure
Some believe giving water or food during a seizure helps the person recover faster. This is dangerous because the person is unconscious and may choke.
What to do:
Clear the area around the person to prevent injury.
Do not restrain their movements.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure and call emergency services if it lasts longer than 5 minutes or if it is their first seizure.
Seizures usually stop on their own. The priority is to keep the person safe, not to give fluids or food.
Myth 4: You Should Use a Tourniquet to Stop Any Bleeding
Tourniquets are often portrayed as the go-to solution for bleeding. While they can stop severe bleeding, improper use can cause tissue damage or loss of limbs.
What to do:
Apply firm pressure directly on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
Elevate the injured limb if possible.
Use a tourniquet only if bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled by pressure.
Seek emergency medical help immediately.
Most bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure. Tourniquets are a last resort and require proper training to use safely.
Myth 5: You Should Induce Vomiting if Someone Swallows Poison
Inducing vomiting after poisoning is a dangerous myth. It can cause more harm by damaging the throat or causing the poison to enter the lungs.
What to do:
Call your local poison control center or emergency services immediately.
Follow their instructions carefully.
Do not give anything to eat or drink unless advised.
Keep the person calm and still.
Poison treatment depends on the substance involved. Professional guidance is essential.
Myth 6: You Can Stop a Heart Attack by Slapping the Person’s Face
Some believe slapping or shaking someone having a heart attack can revive them. This is false and can cause further harm.
What to do:
Call emergency services immediately.
Help the person sit down and stay calm.
Loosen tight clothing.
If the person is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR if trained.
Heart attacks require urgent medical treatment. Physical stimulation does not help and wastes valuable time.
Myth 7: You Should Remove an Object Stuck in a Wound
Removing an embedded object from a wound is a common first aid myth. Pulling it out can cause severe bleeding or damage.
What to do:
Do not remove the object.
Stabilize it by placing padding around it to prevent movement.
Apply pressure around the object to control bleeding.
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Only trained medical professionals should remove embedded objects safely.
Myth 8: You Should Use Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Wounds
Many people think cleaning wounds with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide is best. These substances can damage healthy tissue and delay healing.
What to do:
Rinse the wound gently with clean water.
Use mild soap around the wound if needed.
Cover with a sterile dressing.
Watch for signs of infection.
Water is usually enough to clean minor wounds. Antiseptics should be used carefully and only when recommended.
Myth 9: You Should Wait for Medical Help Before Starting CPR
Some hesitate to perform CPR, thinking only professionals should do it. This delay can cost lives.
What to do:
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately.
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Continue until help arrives or the person recovers.
Bystander CPR doubles or triples survival chances after cardiac arrest. Training helps, but any attempt is better than none.
Myth 10: You Should Use Ice Directly on Injuries
Applying ice directly to the skin is a common mistake. It can cause frostbite or skin damage.
What to do:
Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth or towel before applying.
Apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Allow skin to warm between applications.
Cold reduces swelling and pain but must be used safely.
Believing myths about first aid can delay proper treatment and increase risks during emergencies. Knowing the right actions helps you respond confidently and effectively. Consider taking a certified first aid course to build your skills and stay updated on best practices.