8  First Aid

⚠️ This book is generated by AI, the content may not be 100% accurate.

8.1 Bleeding

📖 The best way to stop bleeding is to apply pressure to the wound.

8.1.1 item If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes, you should put a tourniquet on the wound.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • A tourniquet should only be used as a last resort, if the bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be stopped by other means.
  • explanation:
    • Tourniquets can cause serious damage to the tissues and nerves in the limb, and should only be used by trained medical personnel.

8.1.2 item You should clean a wound with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can actually damage the tissues in the wound and slow down healing.
  • explanation:
    • It is best to clean a wound with soap and water, or a saline solution.

8.1.3 item You should pull a foreign object out of a wound.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Never pull a foreign object out of a wound, as this can cause further damage.
  • explanation:
    • If a foreign object is embedded in a wound, it should be removed by a medical professional.

8.1.4 item You should put butter or oil on a burn.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Butter or oil can trap heat in the burn and make it worse.
  • explanation:
    • It is best to cool a burn by running it under cold water.

8.1.5 item You should put a bandage on a wound that is still bleeding.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • It is important to stop the bleeding before bandaging a wound.
  • explanation:
    • Bandaging a wound while it is still bleeding can trap bacteria and lead to infection.

8.2 Burns

📖 The best way to treat a burn is to cool it with water.

8.2.1 item Applying butter or oil to a burn will soothe the pain and prevent infection.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Burns should be cooled with cool water for at least 10 minutes.
  • explanation:
    • Applying butter or oil to a burn can trap heat and worsen the burn. Cool water helps to reduce pain, swelling, and tissue damage.

8.2.2 item Blisters from burns should be popped.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Blisters from burns should be left intact.
  • explanation:
    • Popping blisters can increase the risk of infection and scarring. The fluid in blisters helps to protect the underlying skin and promote healing.

8.2.3 item Minor burns can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Even minor burns should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
  • explanation:
    • Even minor burns can cause serious damage if they are not treated properly. A healthcare professional can assess the severity of the burn and recommend the best course of treatment.

8.2.4 item Burns caused by chemicals should be treated with water.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Burns caused by chemicals should be treated with the appropriate antidote.
  • explanation:
    • Water can worsen burns caused by chemicals. The appropriate antidote will depend on the specific chemical that caused the burn.

8.2.5 item Electrical burns are not as serious as other types of burns.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Electrical burns can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.
  • explanation:
    • Electrical burns can cause damage to internal organs and tissues, even if they do not appear severe on the surface. It is important to seek medical attention for any electrical burn.

8.3 Choking

📖 The best way to help someone who is choking is to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

8.3.1 item Myth: Choking victims always turn blue in the face.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Fact: Not everyone who is choking turns blue in the face. Some may have a pale or even reddish face.
  • explanation:
    • The bluish color is caused by a lack of oxygen, but it can take several minutes for this to develop.

8.3.2 item Myth: You can only choke on food.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Fact: You can choke on any object that blocks your airway, including food, toys, and even saliva.
  • explanation:
    • Choking occurs when an object blocks the flow of air to the lungs.

8.3.3 item Myth: You should hit someone on the back if they are choking.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Fact: Back blows are not recommended for choking victims. They can dislodge the object and make the situation worse.
  • explanation:
    • The Heimlich maneuver is the recommended first aid technique for choking victims.

8.3.4 item Myth: You can’t perform the Heimlich maneuver on a pregnant woman.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Fact: The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on pregnant women. However, it is important to use caution and avoid putting pressure on the abdomen.
  • explanation:
    • The Heimlich maneuver can be modified for pregnant women by placing your hands on the lower chest instead of the abdomen.

8.3.5 item Myth: You should only perform the Heimlich maneuver on adults.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Fact: The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on people of all ages, including infants and children.
  • explanation:
    • The technique is modified for different age groups.

8.4 Fractures

📖 The best way to treat a fracture is to immobilize it and seek medical attention.

8.4.1 item Only serious fractures cause pain

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Even minor fractures can cause pain and swelling
  • explanation:
    • Pain is a common symptom of fractures, but not all fractures are painful. Minor fractures may cause only mild pain, while more serious fractures can cause severe pain. Swelling is also a common symptom of fractures, and it can be a sign of a more serious injury.

8.4.2 item You can always see a fracture on an X-ray

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Some fractures may not be visible on an X-ray
  • explanation:
    • X-rays are a common way to diagnose fractures, but they are not always able to detect all fractures. Some fractures, such as hairline fractures, may be too small to see on an X-ray. If you have symptoms of a fracture but your X-ray is negative, your doctor may order other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

8.4.3 item You should never move a broken bone

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • It is sometimes necessary to move a broken bone to reposition it or to get to a hospital
  • explanation:
    • In most cases, it is best to immobilize a broken bone and seek medical attention. However, there are some cases where it may be necessary to move a broken bone. For example, if the bone is causing pain or if it is in a position that could cause further injury, it may be necessary to move it to a more comfortable or safer position. If you are not sure whether or not to move a broken bone, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.

8.4.4 item All fractures require surgery

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Many fractures can be treated without surgery
  • explanation:
    • Surgery is not always necessary for fractures. In many cases, fractures can be treated with immobilization, such as a cast or splint. Surgery may be necessary for more serious fractures, such as those that involve multiple bones or that are located in a joint. If you have a fracture, your doctor will discuss the best treatment options for you.

8.4.5 item Only children get broken bones

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Adults can also get broken bones
  • explanation:
    • Broken bones are not just a childhood injury. Adults can also get broken bones, especially as they get older and their bones become more fragile. Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, is a common cause of broken bones in adults. Adults are also more likely to get broken bones in car accidents and other types of accidents.

8.5 CPR

📖 CPR is a lifesaving technique that can help to keep someone alive until medical help arrives.

8.5.1 item CPR should only be performed by medical professionals.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • Anyone can perform CPR, even if they have no formal training.
  • explanation:
    • CPR is a simple procedure that can be learned by anyone. It is important to know how to perform CPR in case of an emergency.

8.5.2 item You should only perform CPR if you see someone’s heart stop.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • You should start CPR as soon as possible, even if you are not sure if someone’s heart has stopped.
  • explanation:
    • CPR can help to keep someone alive until medical help arrives. It is important to start CPR as soon as possible to increase the chances of survival.

8.5.3 item You should give up CPR if someone does not respond after a few minutes.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • You should continue CPR until medical help arrives or until you are too exhausted to continue.
  • explanation:
    • CPR can help to keep someone alive until medical help arrives. It is important to continue CPR even if someone does not respond after a few minutes.

8.5.4 item You can break someone’s ribs if you perform CPR too hard.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • It is very unlikely to break someone’s ribs if you perform CPR correctly.
  • explanation:
    • CPR is a safe procedure when performed correctly. It is important to use the correct technique to avoid injury.

8.5.5 item You can get sick from performing CPR.

  • better_alternative_belief:
    • You cannot get sick from performing CPR.
  • explanation:
    • CPR is a safe procedure when performed correctly. There is no risk of getting sick from performing CPR.