Providing first aid for people who have a seizure should not stick their mouth with a spoon (plus 6 other first aid habits that are also wrong)

First aid in an accident is a very important action. The first aid step given can determine whether the condition of a person experiencing the disaster will quickly improve or get worse. Therefore, take note of it carefully and avoid the various common mistakes that people often make when providing the following first aid.

Mistakes in giving first aid (and the right way)

Don't take the wrong step when giving first aid. Well, you can listen to below the proper ways to deal with various emergency conditions.

1. Rub your eyes when winking

When your eyes squint, either due to dust or getting in on the lashes, you may reflexively rub your eyes immediately. In fact, this method is dangerous because the eyes can be irritated and foreign objects that enter are even trapped in your eyes.

The right way: Your tears actually function to clean your eyes, for example by removing foreign objects such as dust and dirt that enter. Therefore, blink a few times so that the tears wash the dirt out.

If this doesn't work, rinse your eyes with clean water for about 15 minutes or until your eyes feel more comfortable. If it still feels uncomfortable, get your eye checked at the clinic.

2. Use a warm compress when sprained

Compressing a sprained foot or joint (sprain) with a warm compress or patch does feel good. However, warm compresses will actually make the inflammation worse when you sprained it. Therefore, avoid warm compresses or soaking feet in warm water after sprains.

The right way: Use a cold compress on the sprained area. However, don't apply the ice cubes right away. First, wrap the ice in a soft cloth and apply for 15-20 minutes. Remove the compress for a few moments to give it a break, and then apply it again if needed.

3. Looks up to stop the nosebleed

If you look up during a nosebleed, blood can actually flow into your esophagus. This puts you at risk of choking, coughing, and having difficulty breathing.

The right way: Pinch your nose with your thumb and forefinger while sitting up straight. Hold for about 15 minutes. While waiting, breathe out of your mouth until the bleeding stops. If within 30 minutes the nosebleed does not subside, seek medical help immediately.

4. Immediately use a tourniquet to stop bleeding

The use of a tourniquet (wound dressing) near the bleeding area is only recommended as a last resort, when there is no other way to stop the bleeding. The problem is, tying body parts near the bleeding area with a tourniquet can cause permanent tissue damage.

The right way: Look for a moderately thick cloth, gauze, or bandage. Cover the bleeding area with the cloth or bandage and continue to press on it with your hand or finger. Even if the blood is still bleeding, do not release your pressure until you reach the hospital or clinic.

5. Stuffing your mouth with a spoon during a seizure

You may have often heard that a person who is having a cramped mouth has to be propped up by a spoon so that he doesn't bite his tongue. This is dangerous because it can make people choke and have difficulty breathing. This risk is greater than the risk of a tongue bite.

The right way: Turn the person who is seizing sideways. This is so that the foamy liquid in his mouth can flow out and he can breathe more easily. Relax, the seizures will stop on their own without any help or medical action from others. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes without signs of improvement, contact medical personnel immediately (118/021-65303118 for DKI Jakarta, 112 for all of Indonesia).

6. Treating burns with ice cubes or toothpaste

Do not immediately treat burns with ice cubes or toothpaste. Both are actually at risk of causing tissue damage. Also avoid applying butter directly to your burn.

The right way: Wash your burn under cool, clean water (not ice water) for 20 minutes. Remember, you do have to wash it for a long time, but this is important to prevent the heat from damaging any deeper layers of your skin. After that you can apply a special ointment for burns or go to the doctor.

7. Go to the nearest hospital in an emergency

When someone needs emergency assistance, you may immediately take him to the nearest hospital. The intention is good, which is to provide help as soon as possible. However, the hospital or clinic closest to your location is not necessarily sufficient and capable of handling your condition.

The right way: You must choose wisely which hospital to go to. This decision is very important, because there may not be any equipment or facilities in the nearest hospital that can save patients. Sometimes, it is safer to take the patient to a hospital that is a little further away but the facilities and health personnel are adequate.

So, you must know which hospital in your area of ​​residence or office can provide the most appropriate first aid for certain emergency conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.