Watching TV shows or movies or perhaps seeing someone apply first aid techniques, we feel they are the right way to do things. However, some of these first aid tricks don’t work and can be dangerous if used in reality. Over the years, experts have busted several myths of first aid. Let us have a look at a few of them.

 

Hyperventilating Into A Paper Bag

You might have seen a lot of people who get panic attacks, or when having breathing difficulty for some reason try to hyperventilate into a paper bag. Studies have shown this doesn’t help at all, and it is definitely not a proper treatment for hyperventilation. There are chances it can be harmful to the person to do so. Hence medical personnel insist on understanding the Importance of First Aid in such situations and using only proper tried and tested first aid methods. 

 

Peeing On A Jellyfish Sting

If you are on a beach and get stung by a jellyfish, peeing on the sting won’t be a good idea. Everyone’s pee isn’t acidic, and it may not work. Stick to using vinegar; it works much better and is more effective.

 

Putting Something In A Seizure Victim’s Mouth

It’s pretty scary when someone has a seizure, and our first instinct, or presumably what we know, is to put something in the victim’s mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue off. But in your haste to shove it in, you may block the person’s airway, leading to more complications. Hence, it would be good to leave the patient alone and wait for the emergency services.

 

Leaning Backwards When There Is A Nosebleed

It’s not right to lean backwards; all the blood will go down your throat and into your stomach, which isn’t pleasant at all. The right way is to lean forward when sitting on a chair and pinch your nose at the ridge (in the middle). Placing an ice pack on the nose will help stop the bleed.

 

Putting Raw Meat On A Blackeye

We know that a blackeye gets everyone looking at you, and the swelling makes it worse. Putting on cold pack works but not raw meat from the freezer. It’s a definite no-no. You can get an infection in the eye from raw meat, making matters worse. Frozen veggies aren’t a good idea, especially for the eye.

 

Using Butter On Burns

It is not acceptable to apply butter on burns by steam, fire, or acid. It is fat and prevents heat from escaping the burnt area. In which case, the burns penetrate further, causing more damage. The best thing is to hold the burnt area under cold water for some time and then apply an antiseptic ointment from your First Aid Kit for minor burns. For significant burns, you need to rush to the hospital for treatment. 

 

Several other myths surround first aid. It’s when people haven’t got the training that’s when they end up making the wrong first-aid attempts.  It is important to undergo a First Aid Course before you attempt giving first aid to anyone.