Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
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First aid myths are everywhere. You’ve probably heard some common first aid advice that seems logical, but did you know many of these widely accepted practices are actually myths?
In fact, following some of these well-intentioned tips could potentially worsen injuries or even put lives at risk.
From treating burns with butter to sucking out snake venom, these misguided methods have been passed down for generations.
It’s time to separate fact from fiction and learn the truth about proper first aid techniques.
What you discover might surprise you and could make all the difference in an emergency situation.
Key First Aid Myths
• Butter should not be applied to burns; it traps heat and increases the risk of infection.
• Sucking out snake venom is ineffective and potentially harmful to both the victim and the rescuer.
• Tilting the head back for nosebleeds can cause complications; lean forward and pinch the nose instead.
• Alcohol should not be given to warm hypothermia victims as it increases heat loss and impairs judgement.
• Tourniquets are not suitable for all bleeding injuries and should only be used as a last resort.
Butter for Burns
Contrary to popular belief, applying butter to burns can actually worsen the injury and increase the risk of infection. This myth has persisted for generations, but it’s time to put it to rest. When you apply butter to a burn, you’re trapping heat inside the skin, which can lead to deeper tissue damage and slower healing.
Instead of reaching for the butter, you should immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. This helps to dissipate the heat and reduce pain. If cool water isn’t available, use a clean, damp cloth. After cooling the burn, you can apply a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect the area.
For minor burns, you might consider using over-the-counter cooling gels specifically designed for burn treatment. These products often contain ingredients like aloe vera or lidocaine, which can help soothe the skin and provide pain relief.
However, for severe burns, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Sucking Out Snake Venom
Despite its popularity in movies, sucking out snake venom is a dangerous and ineffective method that can worsen the victim’s condition. This myth has persisted for years, but it’s time to set the record straight about snake bite treatment.
When you attempt to suck out venom, you’re not only wasting precious time, but you’re also potentially causing more harm. Here’s why this method is ineffective and dangerous:
- Venom spreads rapidly through the bloodstream, making it impossible to remove a significant amount through suction.
- You risk introducing bacteria from your mouth into the wound, leading to infection.
- If you have cuts or sores in your mouth, you could absorb the venom yourself, becoming a second victim.
Instead of attempting venom removal, focus on getting the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. Keep the affected limb below heart level to slow venom spread, and remove any constricting items like jewellery or tight clothing.
Tilting Head for Nosebleeds
While snake bite myths can be dangerous, another common first aid misconception involves the proper way to handle nosebleeds.
You’ve probably heard that you should tilt your head back when your nose starts bleeding, but this advice is outdated and potentially harmful.
Contrary to popular belief, tilting your head back isn’t the correct approach. This position can cause blood to flow down your throat, potentially leading to nausea, vomiting, or even choking. Instead, the proper head position for managing a nosebleed is to lean slightly forward. This allows the blood to drain out of your nose rather than down your throat.
The most effective method for stopping a nosebleed is nasal compression. Pinch the soft part of your nose firmly with your thumb and index finger, just below the bony bridge. Maintain this pressure for about 10-15 minutes without releasing. Breathe through your mouth during this time.
If bleeding persists after 30 minutes of compression, seek medical attention. Remember to avoid blowing your nose, bending down, or engaging in strenuous activity for several hours after the bleeding stops to prevent recurrence.
Alcohol to Warm Hypothermia Victims
A dangerous myth persists that giving alcohol to hypothermia victims will warm them up quickly. This misconception about hypothermia treatment can lead to serious consequences. In reality, alcohol can worsen a hypothermic person’s condition and should never be used as a remedy.
Alcohol affects your body in ways that are detrimental to hypothermia victims:
- It causes blood vessels to dilate, which can increase heat loss from the skin’s surface.
- It impairs your body’s ability to shiver, a vital mechanism for generating heat.
- It can cloud judgement, potentially leading to poor decision-making in already dangerous situations.
Instead of relying on alcohol, focus on proper hypothermia treatment methods. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm layers.
Use blankets or sleeping bags to insulate the person from the cold ground. If possible, move them to a warm, dry shelter.
Provide warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drinks to help with rehydration and energy. In severe cases, seek immediate medical attention.
Tourniquets for All Bleeding Wounds
Many people mistakenly believe that tourniquets should be used for all types of bleeding wounds, but this isn’t the case. While tourniquets can be life-saving in certain situations, they’re not appropriate for every bleeding injury.
Tourniquets are primarily designed for severe, life-threatening bleeding from limbs that can’t be controlled by direct pressure alone. You should only consider tourniquet application when faced with a major arterial bleed or amputation. For most cuts and wounds, direct pressure and elevation are sufficient for bleeding control.
Applying a tourniquet unnecessarily can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, and even limb loss if left on too long. If you do need to use a tourniquet, it’s essential to apply it correctly. Place it 5-7 centimeters above the wound, but not over a joint.
Tighten it until the bleeding stops, and note the time of application. Never remove a tourniquet once it’s applied; leave that to medical professionals. Remember, tourniquets are a last resort in bleeding control. In most cases, standard first aid techniques will suffice without risking further harm to the injured person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Open Wounds?
You shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide on open wounds. It’s not as effective as once thought and can delay healing. Instead, opt for wound healing alternatives like clean water and mild soap to gently clean the area.
Is the "Rice" Method Still Recommended for Sprains and Strains?
The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is still recommended for sprain treatment, but it’s evolving. You should follow it for the first 24-48 hours, then gradually increase movement to promote healing and prevent stiffness.
How Long Should You Perform CPR Before Stopping?
Perform CPR until professional help arrives or you’re physically exhausted. CPR effectiveness decreases with fatigue, but don’t stop unless it’s unsafe. Every compression counts in this life-saving marathon.
