First Aid Myths That Could Cost Lives: Debunking Misconceptions

When it comes to first aid, everyone seems to have heard a “rule” passed down from a friend, a film, or a well-meaning relative. But while these tips might sound helpful, some of them could actually cause more harm than good.

Let’s clear up some of the most common first aid myths — and explain what you should do instead.

Myth 1: “Never give water to someone having a seizure.”

This is one of the most widespread misconceptions. People often think that someone having a seizure might choke if given water, or that giving them a drink could somehow “wake them up”.

💡 The truth:
You should never try to give someone anything to eat or drink while they’re having a seizure — but that’s because they can’t safely swallow, not because water is inherently dangerous.

During a seizure:

Move nearby objects out of the way to prevent injury.
Loosen tight clothing around their neck.
Don’t restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
Once the seizure stops and they’re fully awake, you can offer them water to sip if they’d like it.

👉 The key is to wait until they’re fully conscious and aware before giving them anything to drink.

Myth 2: “If someone is bleeding, always elevate the wound.”

This advice used to be common in older first aid books — but guidance has changed.

💡 The truth:
The most effective way to stop bleeding is direct pressure on the wound. Elevating the limb isn’t harmful, but it shouldn’t be your main focus. If the wound is bleeding heavily, you need to:

Apply firm, continuous pressure using a clean pad or dressing.
Keep pressure on until the bleeding stops or help arrives.
If the pad soaks through, add another layer rather than removing the first.

👉 Elevation alone won’t stop bleeding, but firm pressure often will.

Myth 3: “You must wait for paramedics before you do anything.”

Many people hesitate to act, worried they might make things worse or get into trouble. But in a medical emergency, doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.

💡 The truth:
The minutes before emergency services arrive are often the most critical.

Start CPR immediately if someone isn’t breathing normally.
Use an AED if one’s available — you can’t shock someone who doesn’t need it.
Stop bleeding with pressure.
Roll an unconscious but breathing person onto their side.

👉 Simple actions save lives. Paramedics would always rather arrive to find you’ve started helping.

Myth 4: “First aid for adults is the same as for children or pets.”

It’s easy to assume first aid is “one size fits all”, but that’s far from true. Children and pets have smaller bodies, faster heart rates, and different risks.

💡 The truth:

Children and babies: Their airways are more delicate, so techniques like CPR and choking response must be gentler and adapted for their size.
Pets: Dogs and cats can choke, overheat, or be poisoned, but their anatomy and reactions differ from ours. Even the best human first aid technique might not apply.

👉 If you live with children or animals, it’s worth taking a specific paediatric or pet first aid course to learn how to help safely.

Why busting myths matters

When someone’s life is at risk, hesitation or outdated advice can make a critical difference. The more people understand accurate, modern first aid, the safer our communities become.

If it’s been a while since your last training, or if these myths surprised you, it might be time for a refresher.

👉 Explore our range of first aid and CPR courses at www.protrainings .uk/courses — including paediatric, workplace, and pet first aid options.

Because the best first aiders don’t just act fast — they act right.