9 Well-Known First Aid Methods That 90% of People

Perform Incorrectly
Knowing basic first aid methods is very important, but its crucial to perform them correctly
so as not to compromise the life youre trying to save.

Here you can find several of the most widely spread mistakes people make when performing first
aid.

1. Curing wounds with hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and alcohol can be dangerous.

Whats wrong about it: Peroxide destroys connective tissue cells, preventing the wound from
healing. Iodine and alcohol burn healthy cells and can induce pain, shock, and burns if applied
to a wound.
Doing it right: Wash the wound with clear drinking water or boiled water, and then apply
a healing ointment with an antibiotic. A Band-Aid or bandage should not be applied unless
absolutely necessary, otherwise the wound will get wet and take longer to heal.
Source: prevention.com
2. Cardiac compression can lead to rib fractures and lung damage.
Whats wrong about it: Cardiac compressions can easily result in broken ribs, which may
seriously damage the lungs and heart.
Doing it right: You should only do cardiac compressions if youre sure the person has no pulse,
isnt breathing, and theres no doctor around. While one person is calling an ambulance, another
does heart compressions with the rhythm of 100 per minute (to beat of Staying Alive by the
BeeGees). For babies, its done with the fingers and in another rhythm. The mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation should be performed when the heart is going. Another option
is to do 30 compressions and 2 breaths, then repeat.
Sources: firstaidreference.com, mayoclinic.org
3. Paracetamol may lead to liver issues.
Whats wrong about it: Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, relieves pain and inflammation and
is a part of many popular drugs. Its overdose may cause liver and kidney failure.
Doing it right: Measure the dose carefully. The maximum single dose for adults is 1 g (4 g per
day). Acetaminophen is present in many drugs, especially anti-flu ones, and combining
medications can easily lead to an overdose and its consequences.
Sources: prevention.com, patient.info
4. Dont throw back your head or lie on your back with a nosebleed.
Whats wrong about it: If you do this, the blood pressure in your head rises. You cant know
how dangerous the bleeding episode is, so the blood can get into your lungs or cause vomiting.
Doing it right: Hold your head upright to reduce pressure, apply a cold pack, and then close either
nostril with your finger for 15 minutes. Do the same for the other while breathing with your
mouth. If the bleeding doesnt stop, repeat. If it persists even then, or if its caused by an injury,
call an ambulance.
Sources: webmd.com, prevention.com
5. Dont pull a road accident victim from the car or help them into a more comfortable
position.
Whats wrong about it: Most deaths in road accidents occur because of neck and spine injuries.
The slightest move in an attempt to help a victim may kill them or render them paralyzed.
Doing it right: If a person is injured with a risk of head, neck, or spine trauma (for example, they
dont feel their limbs, but theres no blood), call an ambulance and watch the victims breathing
until the doctors arrive.
Sources: prevention.com, redcross.org
6. You shouldnt take vomit-inducing drugs in case of serious poisoning.

Whats wrong about it: Emetic drugs can cause an esophageal burn and make way for poisoned
vomit into the lungs.
Doing it right: In a suspected poisoning, call an ambulance, describe the symptoms and
a probable source of poisoning, and write down the prescribed actions. Dont try to assess the
danger yourself or seek advice on the Internet: drug overdoses or alcohol intoxication may
be as hazardous as a glass of gasoline drunk in a gulp. Without qualified help, the victim may die
within an hour.
Sources: mayoclinic.org, redcross.org
7. Applying a tourniquet to stop bleeding can lead to amputation.
Whats wrong about it: An incorrectly or unnecessarily applied tourniquet may result in excess
limb pressure. It doesnt stop the bleeding but prevents blood circulation which leads to necrosis.
Doing it right: Apply a large amount of sterile gauze or clean cloth to the wound and press
tightly this should be enough until the ambulance arrives. The only exception is a serious
bleeding where the risk of death is higher than that of losing a limb.
Source: realfirstaid.co.uk
8. Dont put a spoon into the mouth or pull the tongue of a person having a seizure.
Whats wrong about it: When in a fit, a person can swallow or choke on an object placed into
their mouth to protect the tongue.
Doing it right: A person may start shaking uncontrollably and even go purple, but seizures are
self-limiting, and the body is incapable of doing much harm to itself. Just call a doctor, and make
sure the person is safe from external harm and is breathing comfortably. Its physiologically
impossible to swallow your own tongue, and biting it isnt dangerous. After the seizure ends, lay
the person on their side.
Source: epilepsy.com
9. If youre bitten by a snake or a venomous insect, dont suck out the venom.
Whats wrong about it: The venom mixes with your saliva and makes itself a new target of your
mucous membrane. This will accelerate the poisoning and can result in lung edema and heart
failure.
Doing it right: If youre bitten in a limb, lie down so that the damaged area is below the heart.
Call an ambulance, describe what bit you, and drink a lot.
Source: healthline.com
Important: Dont take a sick or injured person to the nearest hospital.
Wrong: Taking a sick or injured person to the nearest hospital.
Right: Call an ambulance, describe the situation, and listen to the operator wholl tell you where
to take the victim. Not every hospital has the necessary medications, specialists, or equipment, and
transportation may prove too dangerous.
Share these very useful information with your friends , so they know how to react in the
scenarios mentioned above.