Being prepared for an emergency is one thing, but making mistakes in first aid can be just as dangerous. You can have the most extensive first aid kit and proper first aid training, but if you make mistakes while trying to help someone else, there is a risk of making the injury worse or infecting the injury.
So, what can you do to make sure you are as safe, and prepared, as possible in the event of an emergency? Keep reading to find out how to avoid some of the most common first aid mistakes.
Table of Contents
1. Delaying Calling For Help
One of the most common first aid mistakes is not calling for emergency services immediately. In emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or severe bleeding, every second counts. Waiting too long to call emergency services can lead to a deterioration of the victim’s condition and even death.
It’s essential to call for help immediately and then provide first aid to the best of your abilities. Remember, early intervention can save lives, so don’t hesitate to call for help in an emergency.
2. Not Protecting Yourself
Another common mistake is failing to protect yourself when providing first aid. Exposure to bodily fluids, open wounds, and other hazardous materials can put you at risk of infections and illnesses.
To avoid this mistake, always wear gloves, masks, and other protective gear. If you don’t have access to these items, try to improvise with what’s available, such as using a cloth as a barrier or washing your hands thoroughly after administering first aid. Remember, protecting yourself is just as important as providing first aid to the injured person.
3. Moving Someone Who’s Injured
It’s natural to want to move someone who’s injured to a more comfortable position, but this can be dangerous, especially if the person has a spinal or head injury. Moving them can cause further damage, so it’s important to stabilize the person and wait for emergency services to arrive.
4. Using Incorrect Techniques
Using the wrong first aid techniques can be just as dangerous as not administering first aid at all. It’s important to be trained and knowledgeable in the proper techniques for CPR, bandaging, and other common first-aid procedures.
Taking a First Aid for Bleeding Certification can help you learn and practice these techniques, ensuring that you are using them correctly when the situation arises. Remember to stay calm and focused, and don’t hesitate to seek professional medical help if necessary.
5. Not Following Up
It’s important to check in on the person and monitor their condition, as their symptoms may worsen or new symptoms may develop. Not following up can lead to complications or even further injury.
If the injured person’s condition changes, it’s important to seek additional medical attention immediately. Following up with the person after administering first aid can help ensure that they receive the ongoing care they need.
Be Aware of These Common First Aid Mistakes
When it comes to first aid, always remember to be prepared and take proper safety precautions. Basic knowledge of how to respond in an emergency, coupled with the understanding of how to avoid common first aid mistakes, can improve a victim’s chances of recovery and overall well-being.
Take the time to educate yourself on proper first aid techniques and get certified today.
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Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
