First aid knowledge saves lives. But not everything we’ve heard or seen in movies is correct. Misunderstandings can lead to dangerous decisions in an emergency. To help you stay safe and prepared, we’ve busted some of the most common first aid myths — and explained what you should do instead.
1. Myth: You should tilt your head back during a nosebleed
Fact: Tilting your head back can cause blood to run down the throat, leading to choking or vomiting.
What to do: Sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes. Breathe through your mouth. Avoid lying down or tilting your head back.
2. Myth: Butter helps soothe burns
Fact: Butter, oils, or creams can trap heat in the skin and increase the risk of infection.
What to do: Immediately cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Then cover it loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing. Avoid ice — it can damage the skin.
3. Myth: You should suck out venom from a snake bite
Fact: This doesn’t work and can actually make things worse by introducing bacteria or spreading venom faster.
What to do: Keep the person calm and still. Call emergency services immediately. Immobilise the bitten area and keep it below heart level. Do not cut the wound, suck the venom, or apply a tourniquet.
4. Myth: You should make someone vomit if they’ve swallowed poison
Fact: Vomiting can cause more harm, especially if the substance is corrosive or foamy — it could burn the throat or cause choking.
What to do: Call your local poison control centre or emergency services. Don’t give anything to eat or drink unless instructed by professionals.
5. Myth: Put something in a person’s mouth during a seizure to prevent tongue-biting
Fact: This is very dangerous. It could break their teeth, block the airway, or cause you to get bitten.
What to do: Clear the area of hazards, gently protect their head, and turn them onto their side once the seizure stops. Never restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure — if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services.
6. Myth: Heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same
Fact: A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating entirely.
What to do for cardiac arrest: Call for help and start CPR immediately — push hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Use a defibrillator (AED) if available.
What to do for a heart attack: Call emergency services. Keep the person calm and seated. If they’re not allergic and it’s advised, give them aspirin while waiting for help.
7. Myth: You should apply heat to a sprain or strain immediately
Fact: Heat can increase swelling and inflammation in the first 48 hours after injury.
What to do: Use ice wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling and pain. Apply it for 15–20 minutes every hour as needed. Elevate the limb and avoid putting weight on it.
8. Myth: CPR always restarts the heart
Fact: CPR doesn’t usually “restart” the heart. It keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and organs until medical help arrives.
What to do: Perform CPR as a life-saving bridge until defibrillation or advanced care is available. Every second counts.
9. Myth: If someone feels faint, you should sit them up
Fact: Sitting up may reduce blood flow to the brain and cause the person to fully lose consciousness.
What to do: Help the person lie down and elevate their legs. Loosen tight clothing and ensure fresh air. If they don’t improve quickly, seek medical help.
Final Thoughts: Trust Science, Not Myths
First aid myths are often spread with good intentions — but good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes. Learning correct, up-to-date first aid practices can make the difference between harm and help.
To gain confidence and skills, consider enrolling in a certified first aid or Basic Life Support (BLS) course. It’s one of the best ways to protect your family, friends, and community in times of need.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Save lives.
