Emergencies strike when we least expect them. Whether it’s a slip on the stairs, a car accident, or someone choking during dinner, the initial response can often mean the difference between life and death. First aid knowledge can be lifesaving—but only when it’s applied correctly. Unfortunately, even well-meaning individuals often make critical errors in the heat of the moment. Here are the top 10 first aid mistakes to avoid in an emergency, along with guidance on what to do instead.
1. Not Calling Emergency Services Immediately
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes is assuming you can handle the situation without help. In a crisis, every second counts. People often try to “wait and see” if a condition improves or gets worse, wasting precious time that could be used for professional medical response.
What to do instead: If there’s any doubt about the severity of an injury or illness, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. It’s better to have professionals en route and not need them than to wait too long and suffer consequences.
2. Moving an Injured Person Without Proper Assessment
Imagine witnessing a car crash and rushing to pull someone out of the vehicle. While your intentions are good, moving an injured person—especially one with a possible spinal injury—can cause irreparable damage.
What to do instead: Unless there’s an immediate danger (like fire or explosion), do not move the injured person. Stabilize their head and neck and wait for emergency responders trained in safe transport.
3. Improper Use of a Tourniquet
Tourniquets are often portrayed in media as the go-to for any serious bleeding, but improper application can cause nerve damage or even loss of a limb. In reality, they should be a last resort.
What to do instead: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the limb above the heart level if possible. Only use a tourniquet if bleeding is uncontrollable and help is not immediately available—and ensure it’s placed properly.
4. Using Ice Directly on Burns
It seems logical: burn yourself, and you want something cold on it. But applying ice directly to a burn can damage skin tissue and even worsen the injury.
What to do instead: Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 10–20 minutes. Cover it loosely with a sterile, non-stick dressing. Avoid ointments, butter, or creams in the initial response.
5. Removing Objects Embedded in the Body
Instinct might tell you to pull out whatever’s stuck in a wound—a shard of glass, a knife, a metal rod—but this can actually worsen the injury and cause severe bleeding.
What to do instead: Leave the object in place. Stabilize it with gauze or cloth to prevent movement. Removing it should only be done by trained professionals in a medical setting.
By the way, if you’re interested in proper training programs, first aid Nepean offers courses that cover scenarios like these. While it might seem unrelated, knowing the right steps in advance can make a huge difference when these situations arise.
6. Not Knowing the Signs of a Heart Attack or Stroke
People often assume heart attacks are always dramatic—like the ones on TV. In reality, they can begin with subtle signs like fatigue, shortness of breath, or nausea. The same goes for strokes, where symptoms might include confusion, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking.
What to do instead: Learn the warning signs. For strokes, remember FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time). For heart attacks, look for chest discomfort, pain in the arms or jaw, and cold sweats. Call emergency services immediately if any symptoms appear.
For those in Ontario looking to boost their skills, this Ottawa East blended first aid course is an excellent resource. It’s especially helpful for people wanting flexible options that combine online learning with hands-on practice.
7. Not Performing CPR When Needed
Many bystanders hesitate to perform CPR because they’re afraid of doing it wrong. Others might believe it’s only necessary if the person has stopped breathing completely. Both beliefs can delay vital intervention.
What to do instead: If a person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, begin chest compressions immediately. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest—about 100–120 compressions per minute. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; doing something is better than doing nothing.
8. Giving Food or Drink to an Unconscious or Semi-Conscious Person
In some situations, people try to revive someone by giving them food, water, or even alcohol. If the person is semi-conscious, this can lead to choking or aspiration, making the situation even worse.
What to do instead: If someone is unconscious or semi-conscious, do not give them anything by mouth. Place them in the recovery position if they’re breathing, and monitor their airway and breathing until help arrives.
9. Using the Wrong Technique for Choking Victims
When someone’s choking, panic can set in quickly. People often slap the person’s back too early, use incorrect hand placement for abdominal thrusts, or hesitate entirely, unsure what to do.
What to do instead: For adults and children over one year old, use the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and deliver quick, inward and upward thrusts. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and call for help.
In addition to avoiding common first aid mistakes, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and know where to find help quickly. Whether you’re at home or traveling, identifying nearby medical facilities can save precious time in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with local resources and ensure you have access to reliable directions. For those in unfamiliar areas, having a trusted map service can be invaluable. Read more to discover how to locate essential services near you and ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
10. Skipping Training or Relying on Outdated Knowledge
A lot of us think back to what we learned in high school health class, or maybe something we saw on a medical show. The truth is, first aid recommendations evolve as new medical evidence emerges.
What to do instead: Regularly refresh your knowledge through certified training. Attend refresher courses every few years and stay updated with current protocols. Modern first aid training often includes hands-on simulations, digital modules, and detailed scenario planning that make learning practical and memorable.
Conclusion
First aid is as much about what not to do as it is about knowing the right steps. In an emergency, simple errors can have serious consequences—but with preparation and up-to-date training, many of these mistakes are avoidable. Take the time to educate yourself and practice regularly so that when the moment comes, you’ll respond with confidence, not confusion.
FAQs
- What’s the first thing I should do when I see someone injured?
Always check if the scene is safe, then call emergency services. Don’t rush to touch the person without assessing the situation. - How often should I renew my first aid certification?
Most certifications recommend renewal every 2–3 years to stay current with evolving guidelines. - Can I get in legal trouble for performing first aid?
In many places, Good Samaritan laws protect those who assist in emergencies from legal liability, provided they act reasonably and in good faith. - Are online first aid courses effective?
Yes, especially when paired with hands-on training. Blended courses offer flexibility while still providing essential practical skills. - Is it okay to perform CPR without mouth-to-mouth?
Yes. Hands-only CPR is recommended for untrained bystanders. Focus on chest compressions at a steady rhythm.