First aid is a critical skill that can truly mean the difference between life and death.
However, first aid is often misunderstood or performed incorrectly, which can sometimes do more harm than good.
Understanding the most common first aid mistakes people make by recognizing and correcting these mishaps, so we can all become more effective first responders, equipped with the knowledge to handle emergencies in the best possible way.
First Aid Mistake #1: Not Calling For Help Immediately
One of the most common first aid mistakes is not calling for help right away, which often stems from panic, confusion, or a misjudgment of the severity of the situation.
Some people might believe they can handle the emergency by themselves, especially if the situation seems manageable initially. Others might hesitate due to fear of legal implications or fear of causing a false alarm. However, it’s crucial to remember that first aid is intended to buy time until professional help arrives – it’s not a substitute for medical treatment.
It’s always safer to call for help, even if you’re unsure about the severity of the situation. Remember, the role of a first aider is to keep the victim safe and stabilize them until medical professionals can take over.
Knowing how to properly call for help is a life-saving skill that everyone should know, including children. Learn how to teach your kids to call 911 the right way.
First Aid Mistake #2: Applying Extreme Cold to Burns
A very common but mistaken practice when treating burns is the application of extreme cold, such as ice or very cold water. While it might seem logical to counteract the heat of the burn with something cold, applying ice or very cold water to a burn can actually cause more damage to the tissue.
Correct Method for Treating Burns:
The following steps are for minor burns only. For major burns, call emergency help and follow their instructions.
- Cool the burn: Apply cool, gentle running water to the affected area for approximately 10 minutes.
- Clear the area: Promptly and gently remove rings or any tight objects from the burned area before the area starts to swell.
- Avoid breaking blisters: Blisters act as a protective barrier against infection. In the event that a blister does break, carefully cleanse the area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Apply lotion: Once the burn has been cooled, apply a soothing lotion, such as aloe vera or cocoa butter, to prevent dryness and provide comfort.
- Bandage the burn: Place a clean bandage loosely over the burn. This covering helps to keep the area shielded from air, alleviates pain, and safeguards blistered skin.
First Aid Mistake #3: Moving an Injured Person
Another common first aid mistake is moving an injured person when it’s not necessary or safe to do so. While it may seem like common sense to move someone away from the scene of an accident, this can sometimes lead to additional harm, especially if the person has sustained injuries to the spine, neck, or head.
The general rule is that if a person has fallen or has been in an accident and may have suffered such injuries, it’s very important to minimize their movement to prevent potential complications. This is because moving a person with these types of injuries can exacerbate them, leading to long-term damage or disability.
Unless the person is in immediate danger, it’s best to wait for professional help to arrive rather than attempt to move them yourself. In this situation, your role as a first aider is to provide immediate comfort and ensure the person remains as stable as possible until professionals arrive.
First Aid Mistake #4: Performing CPR Incorrectly
Incorrect administration of CPR happens all the time. Whether it’s insufficient compression depth or spending too much time checking for a pulse, improper CPR can put a patient at risk.
Correct Method for CPR:
Based on the current guidelines from the Canadian Red Cross, CPR should be performed by following these steps:
- Assess the person’s ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
- If the individual is unresponsive and experiencing abnormal breathing, contact EMS/9-1-1 and retrieve an AED, or ask someone else to do so.
- Position both hands in the center of the person’s chest.
- Perform 30 chest compressions, applying firm and consistent pressure.
- Open the airway by gently tilting the head backward and raising the chin.
- If available, utilize a barrier device to cover the person’s mouth and nose, delivering two breaths.
- Repeat the sequence of 30 chest compressions and two breaths.
- Continue administering CPR until an AED arrives or advanced medical assistance takes over.
First Aid Mistake #5: Inducing Vomiting After Ingesting Poison
Inducing vomiting after poison ingestion is a commonly held, yet dangerous, first aid misconception. Vomiting can actually cause the poison to be partially reabsorbed by the body, increase the risk of aspiration into the lungs, and may further damage the esophagus or other tissues if the substance is corrosive.
Correct Method for Poison Ingestion:
- Identify the poison, if possible.
- Immediately call your local poison control center or emergency services. They will guide you on the right steps to take based on the type of poison involved.
- While waiting for professional help, try to keep the person calm and still. If the person is unconscious, position them on their side to prevent aspiration if they vomit spontaneously.
- Do not attempt to neutralize the poison with other substances or induce vomiting unless explicitly directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
First Aid Mistake #6: Not Using an AED During Sudden Cardiac Arrest
One significant mistake in first aid response is not using an AED during sudden cardiac arrest. Many people are apprehensive about using an AED because they’re unfamiliar with the device or fear they might cause harm. However, these devices are designed to be user-friendly, even for those without medical training.
Correct Method for Using an AED:
- Once you have alerted medical assistance and initiated CPR, request a bystander to locate an AED.
- Upon the arrival of the AED, power it on and adhere to the audio instructions provided by the device, which will guide you through each step.
- Affix the electrode pads onto the individual’s body as illustrated on the device. Typically, one pad is positioned on the upper right chest, and the other is placed on the lower left side.
- The AED will evaluate the person’s heart rhythm. If a shock is necessary, the AED will instruct you to step away from the individual while it administers the shock.
- Following the delivery of the shock, or if no shock is required, resume chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Failing to use an AED when one is available can result in a lost opportunity to save a life. For those who are hesitant about using an AED, it’s important to note that Canadian legislation known as the Good Samaritan Act protects volunteers who take action to help someone in need should anything go wrong.
Get an AED for your home or public access space now.
First Aid Mistake #7: Not Recertifying your First Aid
One of the most consequential first aid mistakes isn’t directly related to a particular procedure or treatment. Instead, it’s the lack of current education and training in first aid.
The importance of first aid education can’t be overstated, and the same can be said for making sure your first aid training is up to date. It’s crucial to recognize that first aid practices and protocols constantly evolve over time.
Consider the Heimlich maneuver, which has now been replaced by the abdominal or ‘J’ thrust technique, as there have been changes in the recommended approach for dealing with choking incidents. Previously, hitting someone on the back was discouraged, but now it has been reintroduced as a viable option. This shift highlights the importance of staying informed about current best practices.
Even if you were certified in first aid years ago, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest guidelines and techniques.
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Proper first aid response can mean the difference between life and death, minor injury, or permanent damage. However, as we have explored in this blog, many common first aid mistakes are made during the delivery of emergency aid.
While these mistakes are common, they can be easily avoided with the right knowledge and training. Educating yourself about the correct procedures is the first step to being prepared.
Remember, the knowledge you gain could save a life.
Have a first aid question or need help deciding which course is right for you? Contact us any time.
