Debunking first aid myths

There are a lot of myths that surround this topic but aren’t real pretty much, anyways. Because such myths are abundant and quite common around this crucial topic, following wrong advice does unseen damage. From a healthcare point of view, if in crucial times first aid is given properly it might save a life and if not then adverse outcomes await the recipient. The giver of first aid should be properly trained or at least have ample knowledge of what he/she is doing.

It has been always believed that half knowledge is always dangerous but in the case of first-aid, fake knowledge is also quite destructive. You don’t have a lot of time to act when you see someone suffering from a health emergency and when it’s a loved one; it becomes quite difficult to react as required. For example you need to apply Dettol antiseptic liquid on a cut wound rather than leaving it to bleed because it’s more appropriate.  Just like that, here are a few myths about which you don’t need to worry today onwards.

Before you get to caring for injured individuals always ensure hand hygiene.

Apply butter on a burn

No! You should never apply butter on a burn as it would only make matters worse by increasing the risk of cross infection. You are putting an unsterilized eating product full of fats and sorts of ingredients on to a direct burn wound. First degree burns are something that you can attend to in homes by holding the wound under cool but not cold water. Second and third degree burns must be immediately dealt with in accordance with instructions from a professional.

Hold head back with a nosebleed

No! You should never do that because you might end up doing more harm than good. The blood from nosebleed might pour into your nasopharynx and from there, downwards making matter worse. Therefore instead of lying back, sit still and pinch your nose at your nostrils as tightly and as easily as possible. Hold it for a good ten minutes and meanwhile make arrangements for transfer to a doctor.

Apply hot compress to sprained joint

No! Doing so might only make matters worse as inflammation is normally aggravated by warm or hot stimulus. Instead try holding a cold compress at the site and then continue doing so as required. If you think that it might be more than just a sprain, rush to an emergency care facility.

Solve choking with Heimlich maneuver

No necessarily not. Yes, patients with complete obstruction of airway do require Heimlich maneuver to help them maintain airway patency by performing quick and correct maneuver. Always call emergency services right away when you see someone turning blue or have a confirm case of choking. For choking accidents where the person can speak, coughing might be helpful too.

So these are some of the myths, the answers to which you now know. Hope you’ll now act responsibly.