As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” That also applies to first aid. You can have all the knowledge and supplies in the world, but nothing will help you more than actually being able to apply that knowledge during a real-world emergency. With that in mind, we have compiled some helpful information on common mistakes first aid professionals make when administering treatment to a patient. Whether you’re a registered nurse, first aid technician or other medical professional, it’s crucial to learn from the mistakes of others so that you don’t make the same ones yourself as you gain more experience with first aid situations.-

Avoid generalities and speak in specifics

This may sound obvious, but speaking in generalities can make the situation harder to understand for patients and bystanders. For example, if you are giving instructions for how to administer oxygen to a patient, avoid generalities like “start at two liters and see if you need more.” Instead, use specific instructions like “increase the flow rate from two liters to three liters if the patient’s breathing rate increases or the saturation level drops.” This will make it easier for the patient (and anyone else assisting with the patient) to follow your instructions and know exactly what they need to do to help the patient more effectively.

Don’t forget the environment

In a crisis, it can be all too easy to forget that the environment in which you are working can have a detrimental impact on the patient’s health and well-being. For example, if you are treating a diabetic patient and don’t remember to check their sugar level before giving them insulin, it could have serious consequences. Likewise, if you are treating a patient with a head injury and start asking them questions without taking their input, they may not be able to respond appropriately and it could hinder your ability to help them. This can be avoided by making sure that you remain aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t let things get too hectic.

Don’t get too close when giving treatment

If you are trying to administer first aid to a patient who is injured, it’s important to keep your distance from them if at all possible. Doing so will not only allow you to give the patient the best treatment, but it will also help you stay safe. For example, if you are giving CPR to a victim who has sustained injuries to their neck, it’s important to keep them at a distance so that you don’t accidentally strangle them. If you can’t keep your distance, you should ask a bystander to assist you instead.

Don’t forget to look after yourself

The last thing you want to do is put your own health and safety at risk when you are trying to help a patient. That said, you also have to remember to look after yourself. If you are feeling fatigued or fatigued from illness, it’s important to take a break, so that you don’t end up making a mistake and getting injured while trying to help someone else. Likewise, if you are carrying a first aid kit with you at all times, you need to make sure that you are storing it properly so that it’s not damaged.

Bottom line

The bottom line is that first aid is a crucial skill that everyone should know. However, in order to be truly effective, you need to make sure that you are practicing regularly and not relying on old habits to do the job. With that in mind, you should never stop learning and incorporating new techniques into your routine. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can help save lives and prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.