According to a study, 34.4% of people hesitate to give first aid to victims because of their fear of making a mistake.
Unless you have first aid training, the proper way to address an injury or other medical issue is probably something that you’re a little fuzzy on. And that’s normal!
The critical thing to do is to utilize the information you find in this article. We will discuss five common first aid care errors and how to avoid them. With that said, let’s get into it.
1. Delaying or Failing To Call for Professional Help
If a person is in grave danger from a medical complication or severe types of injuries, medical help should be sought immediately. One must always be prepared for an emergency and know when to contact medical services. They should also know what constitutes a life-threatening situation and understand the importance of reliable medical care.
2. Improper or Inadequate Wound Cleaning
If a wound is not cleaned correctly, it could become infected and lead to more severe complications. To avoid improper or inadequate wound cleaning, cleaning the wound thoroughly with soap and water is essential to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria that can cause infection.
Additionally, using a sterile gauze pad and a mild disinfectant, such as hydrogen peroxide, is an excellent way to ensure the open wound is completely clean. Lastly, applying an antibiotic ointment and a bandage over the wound will help to keep the area clean and protected until it is healed.
3. Incorrect Positioning of Fractured Limbs
Fracture positioning must be done with extreme care and skill to avoid aggravating the injury. What should be avoided is tying the limb too tightly, splinting too tightly, splinting without padding, or placing the limb at an uncomfortable or incorrect angle.
Using correctly fitting materials to immobilize the limb is essential to avoid these errors. The material should be applied loosely enough to be comfortable but firm to immobilize the fractured limb. The limb should also be placed at a neutral angle to minimize excessive pressure on the fracture site.
4. Neglecting To Follow Basic Hygiene Practices
Not washing and drying hands before and after caring for an injured person and not wearing protective gloves is a critical error. This can spread infection.
To avoid these errors, it is essential to practice proper handwashing techniques. Use protective gear and antiseptic solutions when dealing with wounds or body fluids. Take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of bacteria, such as wearing a face mask, gloves, and long sleeves.
5. Failing to Update First Aid Skills
First responders play an essential role in providing the proper care to those in need. However, if they lack up-to-date knowledge and skills, they may be unable to offer the best care.
Staying abreast of the latest guidelines, quality assurance standards, and medical advances is essential to avoid this. Taking additional certification, refresher courses, and attending seminars can help update first aid skills.
Apart from providing first aid care to people, you can consider up skilling. You can take the MyCPR NOW’s Pet CPR Certification to save the lives of pets as well.
Avoid These First Aid Care Errors
Offering first aid can be a challenging and stressful task. Understanding common first aid care errors and taking steps to mitigate them is essential. With proper training, these errors can be avoided.
Simple things such as being aware, staying calm, being prepared, and seeking proper training can save lives. Take steps to learn first aid procedures and techniques. It may make the difference between life and death.
For more great tips, browse our other articles!