BY THE PHYSICIANS OF THE DOCTORS
Treating an injury promptly and properly can have a huge effect on recovery. But we still see many patients handling common wounds the wrong way-due partly to old wives' tales that won't die and partly to new science around emergency care. We asked our colleagues-some of the nation's top emergency-care providers-to debunk common misperceptions.
1. Not Treating a Burn Long Enough
Forget butter or ice-the best way to soothe burned skin is to run it under cool water. But a few seconds or minutes isn't enough; you need to do it for at least ten to 20 minutes, says Jeffrey Pellegrino, PhD, of the American Red Cross. "The heat from a burn travels deep into your skin, where it can continue to destroy tissue even if you've cooled the surface," he says. "You need the cold to soak in to prevent further damage.
2. Tilting Your Head Back During a Nosebleed
This can cause the blood to drain into the back of your throat, which can make you gag or cough, potentially obstructing breathing. Instead, apply direct pressure by pinching your nose, but keep your head in a neutral position with your chin parallel to the ground. Sit and stay relaxed.
3. Putting Heat on a Sprain or Fracture
"Always apply cold initially," says William Gluckman, DO, spokesman for the Urgent Care Association of America. Ice helps decrease swelling, whereas heat boosts blood flow, which can make swelling worse. Save heat for issues like back spasms.
4. Trying to Remove Debris from an Injured Eye
Fishing around for the irritant can worsen the wound and even lead to permanent damage. Instead, protect the eye-secure a paper 'cup' over it with tape so nothing else can get in-and seek immediate care. The only exception is if you get a chemical in your eye; in that case, flush it out with water for about 15 minutes.
5. Removing Gauze from a Bleeding Wound
If the pad soaks through, don't pick it up and replace it-just add a fresh piece of gauze on top, says Chris Cebollero, chief of EMS for Christian Hospital in St. Louis. Clotting factors in the blood surface to help stop the bleeding; picking up the old gauze can remove them and make the wound start bleeding all over again. If that happens, apply pressure to the cut until the bleeding stops, then rinse the wound out (to prevent infection), apply an antibiotic ointment (if not allergic), and rewrap with a bandage.
6. Not Seeking Care After a Car Accident
If you have severe car damage, get checked out at the hospital, even if you feel fine. "Your adrenaline-fueled, fight-or-flight response can mask pain initially," says Cebollero. "It can be ten minutes or two hours after the accident before you feel something. Responders at the scene can't necessarily rule out brain bleeds or broken bones.
7. Making It Hard For the EMT to Find You
Say you're stung by a bee in your backyard and are having a serious allergic reaction. First have someone call 911. Then head to the driveway. Choking in a restaurant? Don't run to the bathroom. "People die in bathrooms from choking because they don't want to disturb other diners. They collapse, and nobody knows why," says Pellegrino. Stay where people can help you.
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