Myth or Fact
Myth: "You should put butter or toothpaste on burns."
❌ Wrong! These can trap heat and cause infection.
✅ Fact: Cool the burn with running cool (not ice-cold) water for 10–20 minutes and cover with a sterile dressing.
Myth: "If someone is having a seizure, put something in their mouth."
❌ Dangerous! This can cause choking or injury.
✅ Fact: Do not put anything in their mouth—just protect them from injury and let the seizure pass.
Myth: "You should tilt the head back during CPR to give breaths."
✅ True, but only after ensuring the airway is open.
⚠️ Note: If you're not trained, hands-only CPR (compressions only) is effective and recommended by the AHA.
Myth: "You can use a tourniquet for any bleeding."
❌ Overkill! Tourniquets are only for life-threatening limb bleeding.
✅ Fact: Use direct pressure first, and only apply a tourniquet if bleeding doesn’t stop.
Myth: "If someone faints, give them something to eat or drink right away."
❌ Not immediately! They may choke if unconscious.
✅ Fact: Lay them flat, elevate their legs, and make sure they regain full consciousness before offering anything.
Most cardiac arrests happen at home, and bystander CPR can double or triple survival chances. Your skills could save a loved one.
- American Heart Association
Red Cross First Aid training takes as little as 2–3 hours and could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
- Red Cross Training Programs