5 Big Mistakes that People Make When Giving First Aid

  There’s no denying it. First aid is a form of medical training that saves lives.  But even though people practice first aid with the best of intentions, the truth is that mistakes are often made when amateurs respond to accidents.  Sometimes it’s because of negligence, and sometimes it’s because of inexperience.  But either way, miscalculations during first aid procedures can end up making a bad situation worse.

It’s Important to Help the Right Way:

Health Writer Emma Hammett suggests that “Although people recognize the benefit of learning first aid, all too often we feel unable to make time for it. Taking a first aid course run by a highly qualified medical, health, or emergency-services professional teaches you lifesaving skills. It gives people the confidence to know when and how to act in an emergency.” Here are a few blunders and mistakes that people tend to make when administering first aid:

1.    Panicking:

It’s easy to simulate first aid in controlled environments.  But when the real thing happens, people often get flustered under the pressure of life-and-death ultimatums.  If and when emergencies happen – DON’T PANIC.

2.    Forgetting to Call an Ambulance:

If you ever find yourself in a position to provide first aid, chances are the victim will need to visit a hospital.  Either call for an ambulance immediately or call for one as soon as the victim has stabilized from the risk of death.

3.    Moving/Manhandling Injured People:

If someone appears to have suffered a disfiguring injury, avoid the temptation to carry them vigorously.  Dislocations and fractures can become irreversible when dealt with rowdily.

4.    Cleaning/Dabbing Cuts and Bruises with Saliva:

Lacerations can become seriously infected if they aren’t cleaned in a sanitary way.  Rubbing alcohol is the ideal solution to use when cleaning cuts.

5.    Treating Nose Bleeds by Looking Up:

Whenever Nose-Bleeds happen, people’s first instinct is to look up so that blood doesn’t trickle down the face.  But this is a reaction that actually makes matters worse.  Nose-Bleeds heal faster when the head is tilted forward while pinching the tip of the nose.

Conclusion:

If you happen to have taken the time to learn first aid, always remember one thing. Practice makes perfect. Even though basic training provides a general idea of how to respond to emergencies, most people get rusty without opportunities to apply knowledge. The best way to keep abreast of first aid rules is simple.  Conduct regular emergency drills, and sign up for periodic refresher courses. If you like what you just read from our blog, you’ll love the various informative courses, workshops, and events listed on our websites and social media. Whether you’re interested in personal development, health and wellness, bettering your relationships, or the overall improvement of your business, give us a call at 1 (800) 913-0222 to find out how Richard Martinez can help you break past your daily struggles and start soaring in success.