Top 5 First Aid Myths

I've noticed when I'm delivering first aid courses, I receive the same few questions about certain topics.

I thought I would put together the most common asked questions/myths.

Myth 1:

When someone is having a nosebleed, you need to tilt their head back.

NO! If we tilt their head back, the blood will flow backwards, this could make them choke or they could swallow the blood, which isn't very nice! The other issue with swallowing your own blood is it can make the person feel sick and they may vomit on the floor.

We actually tip their head forward while they are pinching the soft part of the nose. They should do this for 10 mins. If after 10 mins the bleeding hasn't stopped then you simply repeat this, if after this it is still bleeding, this can be repeated once more for 10mins for an adult. If after 30mins they are still bleeding, further medical help is required. They can go to an urgent medical centre or A&E.

MYTH 2:

Put butter on a burn to cool it!

NO! The problem with putting butter on a burn is you increase the heat and make the burn worse.

Instead, you should put cold running water on any burn for a full 20 mins. After 20mins reassess the burn, if the casualty is still in pain, then repeat the treatment.

You can't underestimate the power of the cold water, the quicker you cool the area, you reduce the chance of scarring.

When my nephew was 12 weeks old, he had some freshly boiled water spilt onto his little legs, his mum dunked him in cold water straight away. He is now a football mad 8 year old with no scars because she acted so quickly!

MYTH 3:

If someone has swallowed some bleach, make them vomit

Please don't do this!

We all know bleach will burn. If it is swallowed, it's going to burn the mouth and the throat. If we make the person vomit, the bleach will come back up and burn them again. This also adds in a second issue, choking! if the casualty chokes on the bleach, this can cause irreparable damage to the airway and lung lining.

So, what should we do? Well, you already know what to do with a burn and we do the same here too. We give them small, frequent sips of water. It always good to ask them to swill their mouth out with water first, this will remove any excess bleach that's in their mouth. The sips of water will cool the burn and also dilute the bleach. You should call 999 for assistance.

MYTH 4

A First aider can't give any medication

First aiders are not pharmacists, and they are not there to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication. However, they can help the person take their own medication. There are 3 types of medication that the first aider can help the casualty to take. All of these will have a use by date, which will need to be checked before use.

Aspirin- If you suspect the casualty is having a heart attack then it would be reasonable to offer between 150mg-300mg of Aspirin. This helps thin the blood and help the blood flow.

Always check that they have had aspirin before and that they're not allergic to it. Always tell the emergency services if you have aspirin available. They will ask a series of other questions before administering it.

Adrenaline Auto-injectors (EPI-PEN)

Someone suffering with anaphylaxis (Severe life-threatening allergic reaction) needs their medication (Epi-Pen) immediately. 999 must be called as soon as you know this is anaphylaxis. The Epi-Pen can by them time to get to hospital for further medical treatment and it is vital they receive it as soon as possible. Often people will carry two pens with them, in case one fails or if the first one wears off before the ambulance arrives.

Asthma Inhalers

Asthma is a condition that effects 1 in 20 people. Asthma attacks can be triggered by variety of things such as, dust, pollen, smoke, pollution, exercise, pet fur to name a few. Inhalers contain a drug which relaxes the muscles in the lungs allowing more oxygen to reach the air sacs.

Without the use of an inhaler the muscles tighten, which restricts the airway and makes it impossible for the person to breathe. The person needs an inhaler as soon as possible.

MYTH 5

You can't use plasters on children

Yes, you can!

Lots of people can be allergic to plasters, including children. It's always best to check by asking them first. Majority of first aid kits today have hypo-allergenic plasters so there should be no problem if you are using these.

If they are allergic to plasters, make sure you clean the wound and cover it with something else such as a piece of gauze and micropore tape.

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