All of us have heard several myths about basic first aid and are unsure of what to trust or how to handle situations. Sadly, mishaps and unanticipated events occur regularly, leaving us to wonder what to do in an emergency. It’s critical to recognize what has to be sent to the emergency room for prompt care and what can be handled at home with the use of a first aid kit. Correct response may shorten healing time and reduce additional injury. Life Guardians provides the best first aid courses in Canada.
Here are some popular beliefs to help you relax during your next medical emergency:
Myth 1: Putting anything into the mouth of people who are having a seizure
The goal of placing anything in a seizure victim’s mouth is to prevent them from swallowing or biting their tongue, but doing so runs the risk of breaking their teeth or the item, which they might then choke on.
First Aid Fact: Take out any risks and try to place something below their head. You may even just cushion the area with a blanket or your coat.
Myth 2: If someone feels faint, put their head between their legs
They risk hurting themselves if they put their head between their knees and tumble forward. This also holds if you force them to sit up, which is another frequent error.
First Aid Fact: To increase the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain, the patient should lie down and have their legs up.
Myth 3: Making a hyperventilation victim breathe into a paper bag
Since this method is risky, it shouldn’t be regarded as appropriate medical care. This is because forcing CO2 into their lungs will result in dangerously low oxygen levels.
First Aid Fact: You should encourage deep, slow breathing until the patient calms down. Water sips can be beneficial as well.
Myth 4: Never move a person after a traffic accident.
The wounded individual should ideally not be relocated if a spinal cord injury is suspected, however, this may be required if they are in a potentially fatal situation. Additionally, it’s critical to first check if they are breathing. If they are unconscious, do the head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver to make sure their airway is free.
Myth 5: If a child drinks a harmful substance, then make them vomit.
This is not advised as the vomit may burn the airway as it leaves the body, causing more harm.
First Aid Fact: Refer to container label/Safety Data Sheets/ or call poison control center or 911 if needed to follow the instructions.
Myth 6: A shot of alcohol can warm a hypothermic patient.
Science-Based Reaction: Although alcohol may make you feel warmer, it makes you lose more heat because it widens blood vessels. Additionally, it may result in alterations in judgment and coordination, which are circumstances that should be avoided.
First Aid Fact:
- Warm the patient in a dry location, remove damp clothing, and install insulation to stop heat loss.
- Put on a cap and layers of clothes.
- If the patient is aware and able to swallow, warm the core first by administering warm, pleasant liquids.
- To prevent ventricular fibrillation, handle the patient carefully.
- Very hypothermic patients should not be allowed to sit, stand, or move until they have warmed up.
Myth 7: Automated External Defibrillators are complicated to use.
Despite their somewhat complex appearance, defibrillators are very easy to use. The patient’s chances of life are much increased if you can place the pads on their chest and shock them. For the best chance of life, you must administer effective CPR (chest compressions with rescue breathing) and utilize a defibrillator.
CPR circulates blood enriched with oxygen to the victim’s brain and heart. As a result, everyone has to know how to use an AED and do effective CPR.
Conclusion:
It is strongly advised to enroll for basic first aid training in Canada to have a better understanding of what to do in an emergency. All of the equipment and supplies in a first aid pack, as well as the fundamental criteria, may be reviewed by an instructor. Whether you’re waiting for an ambulance or providing on-the-spot pain relief to someone in need, it’s crucial to keep a first aid kit on hand that includes several products that can be helpful in the meantime.