Here are some common first aid mistakes everyone should know about.
1. Panicking and Failing to Assess the Situation
An emergency can be frightening, particularly when someone is injured or suddenly becomes unwell. Rushing in without checking the surroundings can put both the casualty and the first aider at risk.
How to avoid this: Take a moment to check for dangers, such as traffic, fire, electricity or other hazards. Make sure it is safe to approach before assessing the casualty. If the situation is serious, call 999 or 112 and follow the emergency call handler's instructions.
2. Not Calling for Emergency Help Soon Enough
Some people worry about overreacting or believe they can manage an emergency themselves. Delaying a call for professional assistance can be dangerous when someone has a life-threatening condition.
How to avoid this: Call 999 or 112 if someone is unresponsive, is not breathing normally, has severe bleeding or shows other signs of a serious medical emergency. Put your phone on speaker where possible so you can follow the call handler's advice while providing assistance.
3. Failing to Recognise Cardiac Arrest
A person who suddenly collapses and is unresponsive may be experiencing a cardiac arrest. One dangerous mistake is assuming they have simply fainted or are sleeping.
How to avoid this: Check whether the person responds and whether they are breathing normally. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999, start CPR and ask someone to fetch an automated external defibrillator (AED). Gasping or irregular breathing is not normal breathing. Follow the emergency call handler's instructions.
4. Being Afraid to Perform CPR
People sometimes hesitate to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because they are afraid of causing injury or doing something incorrectly.
Although these concerns are understandable, delaying CPR during a suspected cardiac arrest can reduce the person's chances of survival.
How to avoid this: Call 999 and follow the call handler's instructions. Start chest compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. If you are trained and able to provide rescue breaths, follow your training. Use an AED as soon as one is available and follow its spoken instructions.
5. Applying Incorrect Treatment to Burns
A common mistake when treating a burn is applying butter, oils, creams or other household remedies. These can interfere with appropriate treatment.
How to avoid this: Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. Remove nearby jewellery and clothing unless stuck to the skin. Keep the person warm while cooling the burn and cover it loosely with a suitable non-fluffy dressing or cling film laid over the burn, not wrapped tightly around it. Seek medical advice when appropriate, particularly for serious burns or burns affecting vulnerable areas.
6. Tilting the Head Back During a Nosebleed
Some people tilt their head backwards when dealing with a nosebleed. This can cause blood to run down the throat, potentially causing nausea or choking.
How to avoid this: Sit the person down, lean them forward and ask them to pinch the soft part of their nose continuously for 10–15 minutes while breathing through their mouth. Seek urgent medical advice if the bleeding is heavy or does not stop after sustained pressure, or if it follows a significant injury.
7. Moving Someone After a Serious Accident
After a fall, road traffic collision or other serious incident, moving an injured person unnecessarily can potentially worsen a spinal or other injury.
How to avoid this: Encourage the person to remain still and call 999 if a serious injury is suspected. Do not move them unless there is an immediate danger or movement is necessary to provide life-saving assistance, such as CPR. Follow the emergency call handler's instructions.
8. Putting Something in the Mouth of Someone Having a Seizure
A dangerous misconception is that a person having a seizure might swallow their tongue. Attempting to hold their tongue or putting objects or fingers in their mouth can cause injury.
How to avoid this: Move nearby hazards away, cushion their head if possible and time the seizure. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. When the seizure stops, check their breathing and place them in the recovery position if they are breathing normally and it is safe to do so. Call 999 if it is their first seizure, the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure follows without recovery, they have difficulty breathing or they are seriously injured.
9. Giving Food or Drink to an Unwell or Unconscious Person
Offering water or food may seem helpful, but giving anything by mouth to someone who is unconscious or unable to swallow safely can cause choking.
How to avoid this: Never give food or drink to an unconscious person. If someone is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position where appropriate and monitor their breathing. If they are not breathing normally, call 999 and begin CPR.
10. Assuming First Aid Knowledge Never Needs Updating
First aid guidance, workplace requirements and recommended practices can change. Skills such as CPR and the safe use of an AED can also become less familiar if they are not practised regularly.
How to avoid this: Attend appropriate first aid training, practise practical skills and refresh your knowledge regularly. Employers should also review their workplace first aid arrangements and ensure that training remains suitable for their needs.