Five First-Aid Myths That Could Cost You in an Emergency

When someone collapses at work, the instinct to help can be undermined by half-remembered advice. Here are five myths we hear constantly — and the reality behind each one.

Myth 1: You need a certificate to help someone

You don't. The law — and basic human decency — expects any bystander to give reasonable assistance. A certificate means you've been trained to a recognised standard; it is not a licence that non-holders must wait for.

Myth 2: You'll make things worse

Doing nothing is almost always worse than doing something imperfect. For a cardiac arrest, starting CPR immediately — even if technique isn't perfect — doubles survival odds compared with waiting for an ambulance.

Myth 3: Never move a casualty

Only true if you suspect a spinal injury and are in a safe location. If the casualty is in immediate danger (fire, moving traffic), moving them is the right call. Always weigh the risk of the hazard against the risk of movement.

Myth 4: Tilting the head back is dangerous

The head-tilt chin-lift opens the airway. For an unconscious casualty with no suspected spinal injury it is the correct technique and should be performed without hesitation.

Myth 5: CPR always works

It doesn't — but it gives the best chance. Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK is around 10%. That figure rises significantly with immediate bystander CPR and an AED. The goal is to bridge the gap until the paramedics arrive.

The best way to replace myths with muscle memory is hands-on training. Our Emergency First Aid at Work course covers all of these scenarios in a single day.