Giving first aid should be the first course of action in case of life-threatening accidents or injuries. This includes instances of falls and slips, fractures, cuts, burns, breathing problems and even anxiety attacks.
Monitoring first aid at the right time can save lives and that’s what makes our service so noble. If you’re in a workplace or a commercial site and witness an accident that has injured someone, your first instinct should be to rush to help. The usual response is to call an ambulance if the person is in a critical state but that involves a time delay.
If you know how to perform first aid, you may be able to save their life. We offer first aid training programs that allow workplaces to become more proactive with workplace safety.
However, certain misconceptions and myths have confused people about the proper procedure and benefits of first aid. Lack of knowledge about first aid is costing us lives, and it’s not worth the loss! It’s important to correct the misinformation. Read on to learn and unlearn these myths.
You Can be Sued for Attempting Bystander First Aid
This is one of the most common confusions about administering first aid. But people have inhibitions about acting on this principle because they believe it’ll have legal repercussions. It’s important to understand that saving a life comes above all else, and the law will never go against that. However, before you attempt CPR or any form of first aid, it’s crucial that you’re trained in it and can offer your service confidently. It becomes your duty to stay with the patient after they have been revived and make sure they get the hospital care they need.
CPR is the Only Form of First Aid
This is sadly not the case. People who assume CPR is the only way to offer first aid don’t understand how extensive this field is. There are many forms of first aid such as bracing broken bones, bandaging cuts, treating burns for instant relief, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR. Depending on the condition of the person and the nature of their injury, you’d have to evaluate which procedure would be best for them and proceed.
Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation is Most Important
First of all, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is hardly a need in a majority of cases. Chest compression is a more effective way to revive someone. In fact, the American Heart Association said that chest compressions have higher chances of success in adults and are preferred over mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
You Can Get HIV from Oral Contact
This myth stems from a lack of information about HIV and how it’s transmitted. The only way for this disease to transmit is through vaginal fluid, semen, or blood. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not recommended in case the patient is bleeding orally. Even with that, the risk is almost negligible so it shouldn’t stop you from helping someone out in a time of need.
If you’re interested in learning how to give first aid, we offer first aid training and much more including firefighting training courses, IOSH training programs, and IADC training programs in Saudi Arabia. We understand the value of life and wish to instill a safety-conscious attitude in workplaces. For details, contact us right here.