7 Common First Aid Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
First aid training is an essential skill that everyone should have. Whether it’s dealing with a minor cut, a fall, or a more serious medical emergency, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference. However, even with the best intentions, many people make common first-aid mistakes that can worsen a situation. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Misjudging the Severity of the Situation
One of the most frequent first-aid mistakes is underestimating the severity of an injury or medical condition. It’s easy to assume that something isn’t serious, especially if the person appears to be okay. For example, chest pain might be dismissed as indigestion, or a deep laceration might be treated as a simple cut.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Pay attention to the signs and symptoms, and don’t dismiss them lightly. If someone experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual discomfort, it’s important to consider the possibility of a heart attack and seek immediate medical help. Similarly, if a wound is deep, wide or bleeding heavily, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Don’t allow embarrassment or financial concerns to be a barrier to proper care.
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Improper Wound Care
Wound care seems straightforward, but improper techniques can lead to infections or delayed healing. Common mistakes include not cleaning the wound properly, using outdated antiseptics, or applying inappropriate bandages.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Start by washing your hands thoroughly before touching the wound. Clean the wound with clean water to remove dirt and debris, avoiding the use of cotton balls, which can leave fibers in the wound. Use a clean, sterile bandage that fits the wound size. If the wound is deep, gaping, or involves a puncture, it’s best to seek professional medical advice.
Incorrect CPR Techniques
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives, but only if performed correctly. Common errors include improper hand placement, insufficient depth of chest compressions, or not allowing the chest to recover fully between compressions.
How to Avoid This Mistake: The Red Cross recommends that hands be placed on the center of the chest, with one hand on top of the other. Compressions should be at least two inches deep on an adult and delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Make sure to allow the chest to rise completely between compressions. If you haven’t taken a CPR course recently, consider a refresher course to ensure your skills are up to date. Things may have changed since the last time you took it.
Inappropriate Use of Ice and Heat
Using ice and heat in first aid is common, but many people misuse them. Applying heat to an acute injury or leaving ice on for too long can cause harm.
How to Avoid This Mistake: For acute injuries like sprains or strains, use ice to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply the ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, with a cloth between the ice and the skin to prevent frostbite. Avoid using heat on fresh injuries as it can increase swelling. Heat is more appropriate for chronic injuries or to relax tight muscles but should also be applied with caution.
Failing to Seek Medical Help
Trying to manage serious injuries or symptoms at home instead of seeking professional medical assistance is a dangerous mistake. Some individuals attempt to treat severe burns, concussions, or deep lacerations on their own, which can lead to complications.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Understand your limits when it comes to first aid. If you or someone else experiences severe pain, heavy bleeding, burns that cover a large area or appear deep, or any signs of a concussion, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately. First aid is often a stopgap measure until professional help arrives, not a substitute for it.
Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be lifesavers, but they can also cause harm if used incorrectly. Common mistakes include incorrect dosing, using the wrong medication for symptoms, or mixing medications that shouldn’t be combined.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Always read the label and follow the dosing instructions carefully. Be aware of active ingredients, especially if taking more than one medication, to avoid doubling up on the same drug (like acetaminophen). If in doubt, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before combining medications. Remember, more isn’t always better when it comes to OTC drugs.
Improper Use of First Aid Kits
First aid kits are designed to help in emergencies, but they are only useful if used correctly. People often misuse the items in a first aid kit or fail to restock them after use.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Familiarize yourself with the contents of your first aid kit and know how and when to use each item. Keep the kit in a place that is easily accessible and check it regularly to ensure that items are not expired or missing. After using any items, replace them as soon as possible so that the kit is always ready when needed.
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Wrapping Up
First aid is an invaluable skill, but like any skill, it requires knowledge and practice to do it right. By being aware of these common mistakes and knowing how to avoid them, you can be better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. Remember, first aid is about providing immediate care to stabilize the situation until professional help can take over. By learning and practicing the correct techniques, you can make a difference when it matters most.
Better Protectors is a licensed training provider for the American Red Cross and the Health & Safety Institute (formerly ASHI). We can teach CPR, first aid and AED under those licenses. We’re also an educational partner for the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (C-TECC) and the Stop the Bleed Coalition. This allows us to teach officially licensed Stop the Bleed classes. Whether you just want your family to be trained or a group from your church, workplace or community, get in touch with us.