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

Workplace injuries can go from zero to chaos real fast, so your response better be faster.

How you react in the first few seconds can make all the difference between a minor scare and a major emergency. Knowing how to deliver first aid with confidence is a total game changer, whether you’re dealing with paper cuts or full-on emergencies. It’s not just about slapping on a bandage, it’s about being cool under pressure and ready to act.

So ask yourself, are you really ready? Do you know where the first aid kit is hiding? Could you handle a burn, a deep cut, or a coworker choking on their sad desk lunch? It’s time to gear up with know-how and step into hero mode.

First aid is 90 percent prep, 10 percent panic control.

OSHA’s not messing around, if a medical facility isn’t right around the corner, you need a trained first-aid responder on site. That means YOU or someone you trust should be able to step up when things go sideways.

Here’s the rapid-response game plan:

• Assess: Look sharp. What happened? How bad is it?
• Call for help: If it’s serious, don’t hesitate. Call 911.
• Administer aid: Stay safe and do what you can to help.

Pro tips:

• Stay close: Never leave the victim alone.
• Comfort counts: Calm voices can work miracles.
• Protect yourself: Gloves on, hands clean, boundaries respected.

Prioritize the breathless, the bleeding, the unconscious. Timing is everything.

If it’s bleeding, burning, or bone-related, here’s how to handle it.

Wounds and Impalements:

• For minor cuts, pressure and elevation are your go-tos.
• Deep lacerations? Break out the tourniquet, then dial 911.
• Impalements? Don’t be a hero. Do NOT remove the object. Stabilize it instead.
• Nosebleed? Pinch and wait. No tilting heads back like it’s 1999.

Bumps, burns, and blisters need their own brand of TLC.

Burn Basics:

• Cool water is your friend. Ice is not.
• Charred skin? Cover it and call 911.

Blister Logic:

• Leave them alone unless they pop. Then disinfect and dress.

Strained something? Sprained something? Stay calm and RICE it.

For sprains and strains: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Add snacks for comfort.

Fractures and breaks: Immobilize, don’t improvise. Wait for the pros.

Eyes and mouths, sensitive zones, extra caution.

Eyes: Flush, don’t rub. Shield and get help.

Mouths: Watch for blocked airways. Control the bleeding, protect the teeth.

If it bites, stings, or stops breathing, react like a pro.

Animal and bug drama: Clean it, treat it, wrap it.

Anaphylaxis: EpiPen, calm vibes, call 911. In that order.

Choking: Heimlich or back blows. Self-rescue? Use a chair edge.

Heart trouble and electrocution are not DIY situations.

Chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath? That’s your cue. Help them with meds and get the medics rolling.

Electrocution or cardiac arrest? Scene safe? Then CPR and AED ASAP.

Temperature drama and shock need fast action.

Shock: Legs up, victim warm, vibes calm.

Heat stroke: Cool them down, fluids if they’re awake, and ditch the blanket.

Hypothermia: Dry them off, warm them up. Focus on core areas.

Unconscious? Stay close and do the safety shuffle.

• Recovery position if they’re breathing.
• Stay put and stay calm. Help is coming.

• Don’t touch blood without gloves. Avoid sparks, spills, and surprises.

One more way to level up? PPE isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Knowing how to save someone is great. Protecting yourself while doing it? Even better. Learn how to shield yourself with our PPE: Are You Covered Training Course. It’s the armor every workplace warrior needs.

Expand your knowledge with comprehensive first aid training.

This course covers foundational first aid concepts, but further training ensures greater readiness and confidence. Consider enrolling in our Advanced First Aid and Emergency Response Training Course for detailed guidance on workplace emergencies.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – First Aid Requirements in the Workplace
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Emergency Preparedness
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – First Aid Guidance