First Aid Myths Busted: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do in an Emergency

When an emergency strikes, panic and confusion are natural reactions. In those critical first few minutes, the actions we take—or don’t take—can make all the difference. But despite the importance of knowing how to respond, myths about First Aid are surprisingly common. Some of these myths are outdated ideas passed down through generations; others have been fuelled by TV shows and movies that prioritise drama over accuracy.

The trouble is, following the wrong advice in an emergency can be dangerous. In some cases, well-meaning actions based on myths can make an injury worse, delay recovery, or even put lives at risk.

In this blog post, we’ll bust some of the most persistent First Aid myths and explain what you should—and shouldn’t—do when it matters most.

Myth 1: You Should Move Someone After an Accident to Make Them More Comfortable

It’s a natural instinct to want to move an injured person into a more comfortable position, but doing so can sometimes cause more harm than good. If someone has a potential spinal injury, broken bones, or internal injuries, unnecessary movement could worsen their condition significantly.

The correct action is to leave them where they are unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire, traffic, or falling debris. Support their head and neck if you suspect spinal injuries and keep them still until professional help arrives.

Only move a casualty if you absolutely must to prevent further harm.

Myth 2: If Someone Is Having a Seizure, You Should Put Something in Their Mouth

This is one of the most dangerous myths still in circulation. People used to believe that putting an object in the mouth of someone having a seizure would stop them from swallowing their tongue. However, this is both unnecessary and extremely hazardous.

During a seizure, you should never put anything in the person’s mouth. Doing so risks causing choking, broken teeth, or even jaw injuries. The best approach is to protect their head, clear the area of dangerous objects, and wait for the seizure to pass.

Once the seizure ends, place them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing.

Myth 3: You Should Suck the Venom Out of a Snake Bite

We’ve all seen it in films: the hero cuts the bite wound and sucks out the venom. In real life, this practice is both ineffective and dangerous.

Trying to suck out venom can cause infection and may introduce the poison into the rescuer’s system through cuts or sores in the mouth. It also wastes valuable time.

The correct action after a snake bite is to keep the casualty still and calm, immobilise the affected limb at or below heart level, and seek urgent medical assistance. Never attempt to cut, suck, or apply a tourniquet to the wound.

Myth 4: Tilt Your Head Back During a Nosebleed

Many people were taught to tilt their head back when they had a nosebleed. Unfortunately, this can cause blood to run down the throat, leading to choking or vomiting.

The correct method is to sit the casualty down, lean them slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of their nose just above the nostrils. They should breathe through their mouth and remain like this for at least 10 minutes.

Tilting forward allows the blood to drain safely out of the nose and helps you monitor if bleeding is severe.

Myth 5: Butter Is Good for Burns

Using butter, oil, toothpaste, or other home remedies on burns is a long-standing myth that can actually worsen the injury. These substances can trap heat in the skin, increase the risk of infection, and complicate medical treatment.

The best immediate treatment for a burn is to run cool (not ice-cold) water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes. After cooling, cover the burn with a clean, non-fluffy dressing or cloth.

Seek medical advice for any burn larger than a postage stamp, or if it involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints.

Myth 6: If Someone Is Choking, Perform a Finger Sweep

Some people believe that if someone is choking, you should reach into their mouth and try to pull the obstruction out. In reality, this can push the object deeper and cause more serious blockages.

If a person can cough, encourage them to continue coughing forcefully. If they cannot cough, breathe, or speak, you should perform up to five back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by up to five abdominal thrusts if necessary.

Never blindly stick your fingers into someone’s mouth unless you can clearly see and easily remove the obstruction.

Myth 7: CPR Alone Will Restart a Heart

CPR is an essential life-saving technique, but it doesn’t “restart” a heart in cardiac arrest. Instead, CPR manually pumps blood and oxygen around the body to keep the brain and vital organs alive until defibrillation or advanced medical treatment can be provided.

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is needed to attempt to reset the heart’s rhythm. In an emergency, call for help, start CPR immediately, and use an AED as soon as one is available.

Prompt action with CPR and an AED gives casualties the best possible chance of survival.

Myth 8: Always Remove an Object Embedded in a Wound

When someone has a foreign object like a piece of glass or metal embedded in a wound, it might seem logical to pull it out. However, doing so can cause catastrophic bleeding or further damage.

The correct response is to leave the object in place, apply pressure around it (not on it) to control bleeding, and stabilise it with bandages. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Removing embedded objects should always be left to medical professionals unless it is obstructing the airway.

Myth 9: Heart Attack Victims Always Experience Chest Pain

While chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom of a heart attack, it’s not the only one—and not everyone experiences it the same way.

Symptoms can also include pain in the arm, jaw, neck, or back, shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, and fatigue. Women, in particular, may present more subtle or atypical symptoms.

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, don’t delay. Call 999 immediately, encourage them to sit in a comfortable position, and give them aspirin if they are not allergic and it’s readily available.

Myth 10: You Need to Warm a Hypothermia Victim Quickly

Warming someone too quickly after hypothermia can be dangerous, potentially leading to shock or heart complications. Hot baths, electric blankets, and direct heat sources should be avoided.

The proper approach is to move the person to a sheltered, warm environment if possible, remove any wet clothing, wrap them in blankets, and offer warm (not hot) drinks if they are fully conscious.

Rewarming should be gradual, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

Why First Aid Training Matters

Many of these myths persist because First Aid knowledge is often outdated or picked up informally. Without formal training, it’s easy to rely on instinct, past habits, or misinformation when faced with a medical emergency.

First Aid training provides the correct, evidence-based procedures that genuinely make a difference. It equips people with the confidence to act appropriately, avoid dangerous mistakes, and support better outcomes for casualties.

Courses such as Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work also cover important topics like legal responsibilities, infection control, and how to assess different types of emergencies correctly.

Keeping First Aid Knowledge Fresh

Completing a First Aid course is just the beginning. Skills fade over time, and recommendations change as new research becomes available. That’s why the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends annual refresher training and regular updates.

By committing to ongoing First Aid education, individuals and businesses can stay informed about the latest best practices—and be truly prepared when it matters most.

At IJL First Aid Training North West, we offer a full range of accredited First Aid courses that not only teach essential techniques but also help bust these dangerous myths, giving learners the practical skills and confidence they need.

Conclusion: First Aid Based on Facts, Not Fiction

In an emergency, the right actions can save lives. But acting on myths or outdated information can cause more harm than good. That’s why proper First Aid training is essential for every workplace, school, and community group.

By learning what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do—you can be ready to respond with confidence, care, and effectiveness.

If you or your organisation need First Aid training in Widnes or the surrounding areas, contact IJL First Aid Training North West. Together, we can build safer, stronger communities based on facts, not fiction.