First Aid Myths Busted: What You Need to Know

There’s plenty of first aid advice floating around, but not all of it is accurate! Let’s debunk some common myths.

Myth 1: Tilt Your Head Back for a Nosebleed

Leaning back can cause blood to flow into your throat and stomach, risking choking and vomiting. Instead, lean forward slightly and pinch your nose just below the bridge for 10 minutes.

Myth 2: Apply Ice Directly to Sprains

Applying ice directly to the skin can cause frostbite. Wrap ice in a towel and apply it in 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling safely.

Myth 3: Apply Ice to Burns

Ice can damage burned skin by restricting blood flow. Remove jewelry around the burn area and run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10 minutes to ease pain.

Myth 4: Pee on Jellyfish Stings

Urinating on jellyfish stings can make the pain worse by releasing more venom. Instead, rinse the sting with vinegar for 30 seconds and soak the area in hot water.

Myth 5: Apply Hot Water to Frozen Skin

Hot water can cause burns on frostbitten skin. Warm the area gradually with body heat or warm water.

Myth 6: Apply Heat to a Sprain

Heat increases swelling. Use the RICE method: Rest, Immobilize (wrap with a tensor bandage), Cold, and Elevate.

Myth 7: Induce Vomiting After Poisoning

Vomiting can cause more harm and cause a poison to burn the esophagus on the way up. Always call Poison Control before taking any action.

Think you know first aid? Think again! Holmes Safety Training busts the myths—learn more at HolmesSafetyTraining.com.