Top 5 Summer First Aid Myths — Busted

When it comes to First Aid, everyone seems to have an opinion — especially in the summer, when burns, bites, stings and heat-related illnesses are more common. But how do you know what advice to trust?

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing, we hear all sorts of old wives’ tales during our courses. Some are harmless — but others can be dangerous. That’s why we’re setting the record straight and busting five of the most common First Aid myths we hear during the summer months.

Whether you're a parent, festival-goer, beach lover or BBQ boss, these truths could help you make the right call when it matters most.

Myth 1: “Put butter on a burn to soothe it.”

Busted! This is one of the most persistent myths — and it’s wrong.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Butter, oils and creams trap heat in the skin and can worsen the burn.

• They increase the risk of infection, especially if the skin is broken.

• They interfere with further treatment and assessment.

Correct First Aid for burns:

1. Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes (the sooner, the better).

2. Remove jewellery or clothing near the burn (not stuck to it).

3. Cover with a non-fluffy, sterile dressing or clean cling film.

4. Do not apply creams, ointments or home remedies.

Seek medical help for:

• Large burns

• Burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals

• Deep or blistering burns

• Burns in children or elderly people

 Myth 2: “You should pee on a jellyfish sting.”

Busted! No — and definitely not in the UK.

The facts:

• UK jellyfish (like the moon or compass jellyfish) don’t require urine treatment — it may even make things worse.

• Urine’s composition varies — if it’s acidic or too concentrated, it can intensify pain.

What to do instead:

1. Rinse with seawater (not fresh water).

2. Use tweezers or gloves to remove tentacles — never bare hands.

3. Soak the area in hot (not scalding) water for 30-90 minutes.

4. Take pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Seek urgent care if:

• The sting covers a large area

• The person has a history of allergies

• There’s swelling, difficulty breathing or fainting

Myth 3: “Give someone cold water immediately if they’ve fainted in the heat.”

Busted! Not always safe — and timing matters.

Why this is misleading:

• If someone is fainting or semi-conscious, don’t give them anything to drink — it could cause choking.

• The priority is to cool them and check responsiveness.

Correct response:

1. Move them to a shaded, cool area.

2. Lie them down with their legs raised.

3. Loosen tight clothing.

4. If fully awake and alert, offer small sips of water.

5. Stay with them and monitor symptoms.

If they don’t recover quickly, are confused, or show signs of heatstroke — call 999.

Myth 4: “If someone is choking, hit them on the back while they’re bent over.”

Busted! Close, but there’s a specific technique to follow.

Here’s how to help a conscious adult who’s choking:

1. Ask: “Are you choking?” — if they can’t speak, it’s serious.

2. Stand to the side and slightly behind them.

3. Bend them forward at the waist.

4. Give up to 5 firm back blows between their shoulder blades.

5. If ineffective, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre).

6. Repeat until the object is dislodged or they lose consciousness.

   
   

💡 Always seek medical advice after abdominal thrusts, as internal injuries can occur.

We teach this technique (and child/infant choking protocols) on all our First Aid courses.

Myth 5: “You can’t get heatstroke in the UK — it’s not that hot!”

Busted! You absolutely can.

The reality:

• Heatstroke doesn’t require 40°C heat — it can happen on mild days during exercise or in enclosed vehicles.

• Vulnerable groups (children, elderly, those with medical conditions) are especially at risk.

Heatstroke warning signs:

• Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating

• Headache, dizziness, nausea

• Confusion or irritability

• Rapid pulse or breathing

• Seizures or unconsciousness

First Aid:

1. Call 999 — this is a medical emergency.

2. Move the person to a cooler place.

3. Cool their body: water spray, fans, or wet cloths.

4. Apply ice packs to armpits, neck, and groin.

5. Do not give fluids if unconscious.

   
   

💡 Prevention is key — drink water, wear breathable clothes, and avoid direct sun during peak hours.

Why Myth-Busting Matters

Following incorrect First Aid advice can:

• Delay proper treatment

• Worsen injuries

• Increase risk of infection

• Add unnecessary panic or fear

That’s why at Essex First Aid & Wellbeing, we train using up-to-date, HSE and Ofqual-aligned guidance that reflects real-world scenarios and modern medical consensus.