When it comes to first aid, there are few things we all know are true. But for some, the misconceptions surrounding it are just as common. If you’ve ever given first aid to a friend or family member, then you know that not everyone is an expert at this. Even people who consider themselves well-versed in medical terminology often have uninformed opinions about what qualifies as effective first aid and what doesn’t. The result is a widespread misunderstanding of what first aid truly is and how it should be applied. These myths may come from a lack of first aid training, or they could be based on misconceptions that have been perpetuated over the years by self-proclaimed experts who aren’t always correct. Either way, it’s important to know which ones are false so you can avoid falling prey to them yourself while helping others in need.

That first aid kits are only for outdoorsy types.

Many people believe that the first aid kit in their car is only for those who like to spend their weekends roughing it and don’t have allergies. While this is true if you keep your first aid kit in your car, that doesn’t mean you can’t have one at home. In fact, having a first aid kit in your home can be more beneficial than keeping it in your car, as it’s harder to ignore and requires less frequent use. The same goes for locations like work, where you may need to access first aid supplies more frequently. As with the car kit, a home kit should be kept in a place where it’s easy to find. It should also be well labeled to avoid confusion, so you don’t accidentally use it for something else.

The idea that you can treat a broken bone with duct tape is silly.

Some people assume that duct tape is only good for patching up broken electronics, not for treating a broken bone. However, duct tape is an effective way to splint a broken bone, since it holds the two ends of the bone together, preventing it from moving out of place. It also seals the wound, keeping it clean and sterile and slowing the flow of blood from the injury. Unlike other types of tape, duct tape is waterproof, which makes it ideal for outdoor use in locations where water or dirt might get trapped in the wound and make it harder to treat. If you need to splint a broken bone, you’ll want to use non-adhesive duct tape to avoid irritating the wound.

You should only use water to clean wounds if you can’t clean them properly with soap.

Many people believe you should only use water to clean wounds if you can’t clean them properly with soap. But you don’t have to worry about that when treating a wound. You can always clean a cut, scratch, or bite mark using water, even if you already used soap on it. If you use tap water, you can also use a water filter to make it cleaner. You can also use a wet washcloth, as long as you don’t scrub it too hard to avoid damaging the skin. If you don’t want to use water, you can also use baking soda or salt to clean wounds that don’t get in the way of your daily routine.

If you get banged up, you should go to the doctor or urgent care for stitches.

Some people believe you should go to the doctor or an urgent care center if you get a cut that needs stitches. But you don’t always have to go to the doctor for stitches. If you get a cut that needs stitches, you can use a first aid kit to close it with butterfly bandages or gauze pads. If you can close the wound with something that doesn’t require medical assistance, you don’t need to go to the doctor for a trip that won’t resolve your problem.

You should only use gauze if you can’t close a wound with something else.

Some people believe you should only use gauze if you can’t close a wound with something else. However, if you can close a wound with gauze, you should do so. Gauze is a great choice for cleaning wounds, especially if they’re deep. But it’s not the only option for treating a wound. You can also use bandages, tape, or even duct tape.

If a wound doesn’t heal within a week, you should see a doctor.

Some people believe that if a wound doesn’t heal in a week, you should see a doctor. However, this is a gross oversimplification, and it’s not the case for all types of wounds. The body takes time to heal, and it can take longer than a week for some injuries to fully recover. If you have an open wound that you can’t clean or close, it’s best to cover it with a bandage.

Conclusion

There are many misconceptions surrounding first aid, but there are also a few truths that should not be neglected. The first aid kit in your car is worth keeping if you like to spend time outdoors, and the one at home is just as important. The best way to learn about first aid is to practice it, so keep this list handy and share it with your friends and family.And with these myths out of the way, you’re ready to learn more about first aid and what it has to offer. Make sure you’re equipped with the information you need to stay prepared and get the help you need when it’s needed most.