First Aid Myths We Still Hear in Training Courses

If you've ever attended a first aid course, you've probably heard someone confidently say something like, "You're supposed to put butter on a burn," or "You can't get in trouble if you don't help."

The problem is that first aid myths can be more than just harmless old wives' tales. In an emergency, relying on something you've heard from a friend, seen online or been told years ago could delay the right treatment.

As first aid trainers working across Wollongong and the Illawarra, we hear plenty of these myths during our courses. From CPR and choking to burns, bleeding and recovery positions, there are some first aid misconceptions that simply refuse to disappear.

So, let's clear up some of the most common first aid myths we still hear in training courses.

Myth 1: You should put butter on a burn

This is one of the classic first aid myths.

Butter, oils, toothpaste and other household products should not be used to treat a burn. They aren't an appropriate first aid treatment and can make the injury more difficult to assess.

For burns, first aid should focus on appropriate cooling and medical assessment where required.

The important lesson is simple: don't reach for a kitchen remedy just because that's what someone told you years ago.

This is particularly relevant around the Illawarra, where people enjoy everything from backyard barbecues and home renovations to beaches, bushwalking and outdoor activities around Wollongong, Corrimal, Thirroul, Helensburgh, Port Kembla and surrounding suburbs.

Myth 2: You should always put an unconscious person in the recovery position

The recovery position is an important first aid technique, but it isn't automatically the first thing you should do whenever someone is unconscious.

The first priority is to assess the situation and follow the DRSABCD action plan.

DRSABCD stands for:

• D – Danger

• R – Response

• S – Send for help

• A – Airway

• B – Breathing

• C – CPR

• D – Defibrillation

If a person is unconscious and not breathing normally, CPR should be commenced rather than simply placing them in the recovery position.

This is one of the reasons practical first aid training in Wollongong is so valuable. It isn't just about memorising a list of steps. You need to understand when those steps apply.

Myth 3: You should only perform CPR if you're completely sure the person is having a heart attack

You don't need to diagnose a heart attack before starting CPR.

CPR is performed when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The priority is to recognise the emergency, call for help and begin appropriate resuscitation.

Current first aid training covers the recognition of cardiac emergencies and the practical skills required to respond, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

In a real emergency, you aren't expected to be a doctor.

Your role as a first aider is to recognise the signs of an emergency, provide appropriate first aid and seek further medical assistance.

Myth 4: An AED will shock anyone who touches it

Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, can seem intimidating if you've never used one.

However, modern AEDs are designed to assess the person's heart rhythm and provide instructions to the rescuer. You should follow the device's voice and visual prompts.

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that you need to be medically trained to use an AED.

You don't.

AEDs are designed to guide the rescuer through the process.

In a sudden cardiac arrest, having access to an AED and knowing how to use it can be an important part of the emergency response.

This is particularly relevant in workplaces, sporting clubs, gyms, schools and community organisations throughout Wollongong, Figtree, Unanderra, Port Kembla, Corrimal and the wider Illawarra.

Myth 5: If someone is choking, you should give them water

If someone is choking, giving them something to drink isn't the appropriate first aid response.

If the person can cough effectively, encourage them to cough. If the obstruction doesn't clear, appropriate first aid measures should be used.

If the person becomes unconscious, the response changes and you should follow DRSABCD and call Triple Zero (000).

Choking is a great example of why watching a quick video online isn't the same as completing a CPR or first aid course.

Knowing that choking is an emergency is one thing; knowing what to physically do is another.

Myth 6: You should always move someone after an accident

This is particularly important for workplaces, construction sites, sporting environments and road accidents.

Moving an injured person unnecessarily can potentially make an injury worse.

If someone has a suspected spinal injury, for example, they should generally be kept in the position found unless they are in danger or need to be moved for another critical reason.

Of course, there are situations where a person does need to be moved. This is why first aid training focuses on assessing the scene and identifying immediate dangers before rushing in.

Your safety matters too.

For workplaces in areas such as Wollongong, Port Kembla, Unanderra, Dapto and Albion Park, understanding how to assess an incident before providing first aid is an important practical skill.

Myth 7: First aid is just about putting on a bandage

A first aid kit is useful, but first aid is much more than knowing how to apply a bandage.

A first aider may need to respond to situations including:

• Cardiac arrest

• Choking

• Anaphylaxis

• Asthma

• Severe bleeding

• Fractures

• Burns

• Shock

• Head injuries

• Sprains and strains

• Envenomation

• Unconsciousness

These are examples of situations covered within the practical requirements of HLTAID011 Provide First Aid. The nationally recognised unit covers providing a first aid response in a range of workplace and community situations.

A well-stocked first aid kit is important, but knowing how to recognise an emergency and respond appropriately is arguably even more important.

Myth 8: First aid training is only necessary if you work in healthcare

You don't need to work in healthcare to benefit from first aid training.

First aid skills can be useful in almost any workplace and in everyday life.

A workplace incident could happen in an office, school, childcare centre, warehouse, construction site, sporting club, retail business, restaurant or industrial workplace.

And emergencies don't only happen at work.

You could be at home in Wollongong, visiting family in Corrimal, walking around Mount Keira, enjoying the coastline near Thirroul, working in Port Kembla, or spending the weekend around Helensburgh when someone needs first aid.

You don't get to choose where an emergency happens.

Being trained means you are more likely to know what to do when it does.

Myth 9: If you've done a first aid course once, you don't need to do it again

Unfortunately, first aid isn't a "learn it once and forget about it" skill.

Practical skills can become rusty, particularly if you haven't used them since your last course.

This is why refresher training is important. The specific refresher requirements can also depend on your workplace, industry and relevant regulatory requirements.

The current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid unit specifically notes that refresher requirements should be checked with the relevant Work Health and Safety regulatory authorities.

Regular training gives you an opportunity to practise CPR, refresh your knowledge and become familiar with current first aid practices.

For businesses across Wollongong and the Illawarra, keeping staff first aid skills current is an important part of workplace emergency preparedness.

Myth 10: You have to know exactly what is wrong before you can help

This is perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions we hear.

First aid isn't about making a medical diagnosis.

A first aider's role is to recognise an emergency, assess the casualty, provide appropriate first aid and seek further medical assistance when required. These skills form part of the current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid unit.

You don't need to know exactly why someone has collapsed before you call for help.

You don't need to know the exact medical diagnosis before you start an appropriate first aid response.

And you certainly shouldn't delay calling Triple Zero (000) because you're trying to work out what's wrong.

Why first aid training matters

One of the biggest benefits of completing a practical first aid course in Wollongong is learning how to separate fact from fiction.

First aid information is everywhere. You can find advice on social media, websites, television shows and from friends and family. Unfortunately, not all of that advice is accurate.

A nationally recognised first aid course gives you the opportunity to learn and practise skills based on recognised Australian first aid guidelines.

For businesses across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Corrimal, Port Kembla, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Dapto, Figtree, Unanderra and surrounding Illawarra communities, workplace first aid training can help staff develop the skills and confidence to respond to an emergency.

And because emergencies rarely happen in a convenient, predictable way, practical experience matters.

Don't let an old first aid myth become your emergency plan

Most first aid myths have probably come from a good place. Someone was trying to help, passed on something they had heard, and the advice continued to spread.

But first aid guidance changes, and some traditional remedies were never particularly helpful in the first place.

The best way to feel prepared is to learn the correct first aid response, practise the skills and refresh your knowledge regularly.

Whether you're looking for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, CPR training, workplace first aid training or a first aid course in Wollongong, practical training can give you the confidence to respond when it matters.

Because when someone needs first aid, you don't want to be wondering which version of the advice you heard years ago was actually correct.

You want to know what to do.

First Aid Training Across Wollongong and the Illawarra

Our team provides nationally recognised first aid and CPR training across Wollongong and the Illawarra, including training for workplaces, community groups and organisations.

We work with businesses and organisations throughout Wollongong, Corrimal, Port Kembla, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Figtree, Unanderra, Dapto, Shellharbour and surrounding areas.

If your workplace needs first aid training in Wollongong, your CPR certification is due for renewal, or you're looking for a nationally recognised HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course, get in touch with our team to discuss your training requirements.