The Biggest First Aid Mistakes People Make

First aid is a critical skill that can save lives, yet many people unknowingly make mistakes when providing it. Whether it’s due to outdated knowledge, panic, or myths, these errors can sometimes do more harm than good. Understanding the most common first aid mistakes and how to avoid them is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared in an emergency.

Mistake #1: Being too scared to help at all

The biggest issue with first aid is being scared that you will make a mistake and make things worse, but anyone can help in a first aid situation, you only need to remember three things

1. Doing something is better than doing nothing, even just calling for help and talking to the casualty and reassuring them that more help is on the way can make a huge difference. 
2. First aiders are protected under Good Samaritan laws and as long as you keep it simple and act within your skills, like applying pressure to a bleeding wound, or commencing CPR you will never get in trouble for trying to help. 
3. Leave the medical stuff to the professionals.  Call an ambulance, get the person to a doctor, don’t try to reset a broken bone yourself or do anything that involves cutting a person open, we have professionals to do that. 

The easiest way to address this fear is to attend a first aid course and get some practical skills Excite safety has a range of first aid courses and workshops to suit people of all ages and walks of life.    

Mistake #2: Not Calling Emergency Services

One of the most frequent and dangerous mistakes is failing to call emergency services quickly enough. In life-threatening situations, every second counts, and professional medical assistance is crucial.  If you think someone might be in life threatening danger, then call 000 or 112. The operator will ask you some questions to work out exactly how urgent the situation is and will also help you to provide crucial first aid until the professionals arrive on scene. 

How to Avoid It:

• Know your emergency numbers. In Australia 000 or 112 will connect you to emergency Services 
• Provide clear and concise information to the dispatcher.
• Stay calm and follow the operators instructions
• Stay on the line until help arrives 

Mistake #2: Worrying about Incorrect CPR Technique

Real life is not movies.  Sadly, CPR very rarely results in a person getting back up and walking away wrapped in blanket. The reality is that if a person has stopped breathing, CPR is simply used to keep blood flowing to their brain to buy them some time to get a defibrillator and then to the hospital where the doctors can potentially fix their heart with surgery and other advanced techniques.   But if you do nothing at all, this person will most likely die, so don’t over think it, some attempt at CPR is better than no CPR. 

• CALL for help, send someone to get a Defibrillator if you can
• Roll the person onto their back
• Put your cheek beside their face and Listen for breathing 
• If you can’t hear any breathing or their breathing is really faint or strangled sounding 
  Kneel beside them, Place your hands (or one hand for a child or two fingers for an infant)  in the middle of their chest and push straight down HARD.  You want to aim for squashing their chest halfway to the floor.  It will be harder than you think, and you might break ribs but that is ok.  
• Push repeatedly at a rhythm of 120 beats a minute (same as the Bee Gees song – Staying alive or sing happy birthday) 
• It will be hard work so swap/take turns with someone if you get tired
• If you can, Breath into the patients mouth twice after every 30 compressions
• Keep going until the Defibrillator arrives, at which point you turn on the defib and follow the instructions
• Otherwise keep going until
• Medical help takes over.
• You’re physically unable to continue
• The person starts to breathe normally 

Mistake #3: Applying Ice Directly to Burns

Applying ice directly to a burn can cause tissue damage and worsen the injury. While logic says that ice is the quickest way to cool something down, when dealing with burns using ice can lead to frostbite on top of the burn, complicating the healing process.   Burns are highly sensitive to infection and can have life threatening complications or terrible scars so correct treatment is important. 

Proper Treatment:

• Cool the burn under clean, cool running water for up to 10 minutes at a time
• Repeat 4- 5 times if the burn is still stinging / hot 
• If clean running water is not available you may use Hydrogel from your first aid kit
• Cover with sterile non-stick dressing.  Do not place any other substances on the burn
• Seek immediate medical attention for any burn that blisters, is deeper than the skin, or is larger than a 50c coin

Mistake #4: Tilting the Head Back During a Nosebleed

Many people believe tilting the head back during a nosebleed prevents blood loss, but this can cause blood to flow into the throat. Swallowing or inhaling blood can lead to some nasty complications which are better avoided. 

Correct Action:

1. Sit the patient down and lean them forward slightly.
2. Pinch the nose just below the bone and place a cold compress on the back of the neck.  Allow the blood to drip into a cloth or bowl
3. Breathe through the mouth and hold this position for 10 minutes
4. Seek medical advice if the bleeding has not slowed or stopped after 10 minutes 

Mistake #5: Mismanaging Choking Incidents

Choking is when a foreign object, usually food, gets stuck in the airway, making it hard to breathe.   Attempting to give water to someone who is choking or slapping them on the back while they are upright can worsen the obstruction.

Choking First Aid Steps

1. Assess: If coughing, encourage continued coughing. If silent or unable to breathe, act immediately.
2. Back Blows: Stand behind, support the chest, lean them forward, and give up to 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades. Small children can be put across your knee or held in your arms with body tilted head downwards 
3. Abdominal Thrusts: Wrap arms around the waist, make a fist above the belly button, and pull inward and upward up to 5 times.   ( do not do this on small children) 
4. Repeat: Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object clears or they become unconscious.
5. If Unconscious: Call 000 emergency services and start CPR (30 compressions, 2 breaths) until help arrives.

Seek Medical Help If:

• The person was choking but is now breathing.
• They lost consciousness at any point.
• The obstruction may not be fully cleared.

Common First Aid Myths Debunked

Many first aid practices are rooted in myths. Let’s bust some of the most common ones:

Essential First Aid Kit Checklist

A well-stocked first aid kit can make a big difference in emergencies. Your kit should include items to treat cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes, splinters, muscular sprains and strains, minor burns, amputations and or / major bleeding wounds, broken bones, eye injuries and shock.

• Gloves
• Adhesive dressings (Band aids or similar) 
• Sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes / spray
• Saline
• Assorted Bandages 
• Assorted non-stick dressings
• Tweezers, splinter probes, scissors and safety pins
• Emergency blanket
• CPR face shield
• Instant Ice pack
• Plastic bags
• Notebook and pen

You can add extra items to your kit to suit your situation some recommended items might include Snake bandages,  Israeli bandages for extreme bleeding, Torch,  Hydrogel for burn treatment,  Eye bath, or even a Defibrillator.

Knowing the right actions to take during an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Educating yourself about proper first aid practices and dispelling common myths ensures that you’re better equipped to handle unexpected situations. With the right knowledge and tools, you can make a positive impact when it matters most.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional training, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive to ensure accuracy, first aid guidelines may change over time, and best practices can vary by region. Always seek training from a certified first aid provider and follow official guidance from local health authorities, such as the Australian Resuscitation Council, In an emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.