5 First Aid Myths That Could Cost Lives

In a medical emergency, what you think you know can be just as dangerous as not knowing at all. Thanks to outdated advice, hearsay, and internet myths, many people carry misconceptions about First Aid that could delay proper treatment — or even make things worse.

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing (EFAW), we believe education is power. In this blog, we tackle five of the most common First Aid myths and set the record straight — so you’re better prepared to act quickly, confidently, and correctly when it matters most.

Myth 1: “Put something in their mouth if they’re having a seizure”

The truth: Never put anything in someone’s mouth during a seizure — not a spoon, not a wallet, not your fingers. It won’t stop them biting their tongue, and it could cause serious harm.

People having a seizure cannot control their muscles. Trying to hold their mouth open or insert an object could damage their teeth, block their airway, or injure both of you.

What to do instead:

• Cushion their head

• Remove dangerous objects nearby

• Time the seizure

• Once it's over, place them in the recovery position

• Call 999 if it lasts more than 5 minutes or they don’t regain consciousness

Myth 2: “Tilt your head back during a nosebleed”

The truth: Tilting your head back allows blood to run down your throat, which can cause choking or vomiting. It may also make it harder to tell how much blood is being lost.

What to do instead:

• Sit the person down

• Lean them forward slightly

• Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bridge) for 10–15 minutes

• Apply a cold compress to the back of the neck or forehead

• Seek medical help if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 30 minutes or if it recurs frequently

Myth 3: “If someone is choking and coughing, you should do the Heimlich manoeuvre immediately”

The truth: If someone is coughing, they still have some airflow — and coughing is the body’s best way to clear a blockage. Intervening too soon can actually make things worse.

What to do instead:

• Encourage the person to keep coughing

• If they can’t cough, speak, or breathe, then perform 5 back blows between the shoulder blades

• If this doesn’t work, follow with 5 abdominal thrusts (if trained)

• Alternate until the object comes out or emergency help arrives

Myth 4: “Butter, toothpaste or ice is good for burns”

The truth: Applying anything greasy or sticky to a burn can trap heat in the skin, increase pain, and raise the risk of infection. Ice, on the other hand, can cause further tissue damage.

What to do instead:

• Cool the burn with cold running water for at least 20 minutes

• Remove jewellery or tight clothing around the area

• Cover with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing

• Never pop blisters

• Seek medical help for large, deep, or facial burns

Myth 5: “You should move someone who’s unconscious”

The truth: Moving an unconscious person unnecessarily can worsen injuries, especially if there’s a suspected spinal injury. But leaving someone lying flat could be dangerous if they vomit or their airway is compromised.

What to do instead:

• Check for breathing

• If they’re breathing normally, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway clear

• If not breathing, start CPR immediately

• Do not move them unless necessary (e.g. to escape danger)

Why These Myths Matter

Believing First Aid myths isn’t just a harmless misunderstanding — it can cause real harm by delaying the correct response. When someone’s life is at risk, every second counts.

By taking the time to learn accurate, up-to-date First Aid techniques, you could be the difference between life and death, recovery and complications.