In an emergency, acting quickly can save lives. But what if that action is wrong? Many people make common first-aid mistakes that can worsen injuries. These mistakes often come from media myths or outdated advice passed down through generations.
Knowing basic first aid goes beyond applying a bandage. It includes knowing when to wait, what to avoid, and how to respond safely. Whether treating a minor burn or handling a serious emergency, having the right knowledge is essential.
At Training 22, we provide certified courses like First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work. These courses give people important skills that can save lives.
Don’t Remove Embedded Objects
It may feel instinctive to remove a piece of glass or a knife from a wound, but doing so can cause more harm. These objects often stop bleeding and help keep the injury stable. Taking them out can lead to severe blood loss or more internal damage.
Why This Happens: The object may have injured blood vessels, muscles, or organs. When you remove it, blood can flow out uncontrollably, which can cause shock or even death.
Do This Instead:
- Leave the object in place.
- Stabilise it using clean dressings on both sides.
- Keep the person calm and still.
- Wait for emergency services to handle removal safely.
Avoid Tilting the Head Back During a Nosebleed
We’ve seen it in movies: someone pinches their nose and tilts their head back. This is a common first-aid mistake that can cause more problems than it solves.
Why It’s Dangerous: Tilting the head back lets blood flow down the throat, which can cause nausea, vomiting, choking, or even lead to breathing blood into the lungs.
Correct Practice:
- Sit the person up comfortably.
- Lean their head slightly forward.
- Pinch the soft part of their nose firmly for 10–15 minutes.
- Encourage them to breathe through their mouth and not to talk or swallow.
Don’t Use Butter or Ice on Burns
Old wives’ tales say that butter, toothpaste, or ice can help a burn. However, these remedies are wrong and can make the injury worse.
Why It’s Wrong: Butter and toothpaste can hold heat in the skin and raise the risk of infection. Ice can harm the tissue more by cooling it down too quickly.
Do This Instead:
- Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 20 minutes.
- Take off any jewellery and tight clothing near the burn.
- Cover the burn with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
- Get medical help for large, deep burns or burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Never Induce Vomiting in Poisoning Cases
Many people think that making someone vomit after swallowing poison is a good idea. This belief is old and dangerous.
Why It’s Dangerous: Vomiting can bring harmful substances back to the mouth and throat or cause choking. Sometimes, it can even make the poison enter the bloodstream more quickly.
Correct Action:
- Call 999 or NHS 111 right away.
- Try to find out what the person took and share that information.
- Don’t give them food or drink unless told to do so.
- Keep the person calm, comfortable, and safe.
Don’t Apply a Tourniquet Without Training
Tourniquets can save lives, but they need to be used correctly. Using one without the right knowledge can be risky.
The Risk: If a tourniquet is applied incorrectly, it can harm nerves, kill muscle tissue, and even lead to losing a limb because of limited blood flow for too long.
Instead:
- Press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth.
- Raise the injured limb if you can.
- Use a tourniquet only if you are trained or in a serious emergency when other methods don’t work.
Don’t Move Someone with a Suspected Spinal Injury
It’s natural to want to help an injured person feel more comfortable. But if they might have a spinal injury, moving them could cause paralysis or death.
Why It’s Dangerous: The spine protects the spinal cord. Moving someone can displace broken vertebrae and harm the cord, which could lead to lasting disability.
Do This Instead:
- Tell the person to stay still.
- Keep their head and neck in line with their spine.
- Call 999 and wait for help.
- Only move them if there is immediate danger, like fire or a collapsing building.
Avoid Putting Objects in a Seizure Victim’s Mouth
A common myth about seizures is that a person can swallow their tongue. This belief has caused people to put spoons, fingers, or other items in their mouths, which is a dangerous mistake.
The truth is that you cannot swallow your tongue. Putting objects in the mouth can cause choking, broken teeth, or injuries to the jaw.
Correct Response:
- Move any dangerous objects away from the person.
- Place a soft item, like a jacket, under their head.
- Allow the seizure to happen; it usually lasts 1 to 3 minutes.
- After the seizure, roll them onto their side and check their breathing.
Don’t Assume Someone Sleeping is Just Drunk
If you find someone unconscious in a public area, don’t assume they are just drunk. This can delay important medical help for serious issues.
Possible Causes: Low blood sugar, stroke, seizure, overdose, head injury, or heart attack.
Always Check:
- Tap their shoulder and speak loudly.
- Check if they are breathing and if they respond.
- Look for medical ID or alert bracelets.
- Call 999 if you are unsure.
Avoid Wet Paper Towels for Bleeding Wounds
In emergencies, people often grab whatever is close, like wet tissues or kitchen towels. These items can break apart and leave fibres in the wound.
Why It’s a Problem: Non-sterile materials can bring in bacteria and slow down healing.
Better Choice:
- Use sterile gauze if you have it.
- If not, use a clean, dry cloth or a t-shirt.
- Press firmly until the bleeding slows or stops.
Don’t Use Cotton Wool on Open Wounds
Cotton wool seems soft and clean, but it is a poor choice for treating wounds.
Why It’s Harmful: The loose fibres can stick to wounds, raise the risk of infection, and slow down healing.
What To Use Instead:
- Non-adherent dressings from a first aid kit.
- If unavailable, use clean fabric and keep the wound clean until professional care is available.
Don’t Ignore Minor Head Injuries
Minor bumps on the head are usually ignored, especially in kids. But symptoms like internal bleeding or concussion can show up hours later.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Vomiting, confusion, or trouble balancing
- Drowsiness or memory problems
- Unequal pupils or slurred speech
Get medical help if:
- Symptoms get worse or don’t go away
- The person lost consciousness
- The injury happened from a high fall or car accident
Avoid Slapping Someone Having a Panic Attack
Panic attacks can be scary, but reacting aggressively, like slapping or yelling, makes it worse.
Instead, try this:
- Talk slowly and calmly.
- Encourage deep breathing: in through the nose, out through the mouth.
- Use grounding techniques, like asking them to name five things they see or feel.
- Give them space, but stay close.
Don’t Overlook Shock Symptoms
Shock happens when the body doesn’t get enough blood. It is a serious condition that often follows an injury or heavy bleeding.
Symptoms include:
- Cold, pale, or sweaty skin
- Fast breathing and heartbeat
- Confusion or weakness
What to do:
- Lay the person flat and raise their legs (unless they have an injury).
- Keep them warm with coats or blankets.
- Don’t give them food or drink.
- Call emergency services right away.
Avoid Letting Hypothermia Victims Warm Up Too Fast
Warming someone with hypothermia too fast can be risky.
Why? Rapid warming can lead to an irregular heartbeat or heart failure.
What to Do Instead:
- Gently take off wet clothes.
- Wrap the person in dry, warm layers.
- Give warm drinks if they are awake and alert.
- Get medical help right away.
Don’t Delay CPR in Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac Arrest Explained:
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating properly. Without quick CPR, the chance of survival decreases quickly.
Why CPR is Important:
- CPR keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain.
- Taking action early can double or triple the chances of survival.
How to Learn CPR:
- Sign up for a first aid at work course or an emergency first aid course.
- Practice with mannequins and simulations to build your confidence.
Upgrade Your First Aid Knowledge Today
First aid is not just about quick action; it’s about taking the right actions. Mistakes made in panic can lead to serious harm or even death.
This guide points out common first-aid mistakes and basic rules to keep you informed. However, real emergencies require practical experience and guidance.
Take Action:
- Build your confidence.
- Learn life-saving skills.
- Check out first aid courses at work and emergency first aid courses from Training 22.
Your knowledge could save a life. Don’t wait for an emergency to learn more.