In emergency situations, knowing the right steps to take can often be the difference between safety and further harm. Many of us turn to the advice of family, friends, or even common knowledge for survival tips. But while some of this advice has been passed down for generations, it doesn’t mean it’s always safe or effective. In fact, many well-known first-aid and survival “hacks” can be outdated or even dangerous if used improperly.
From advice on how to treat burns and bruises to misconceptions about setting bones or reviving someone who has fainted, these myths persist and can lead to serious consequences if followed without question. In a moment of crisis, you don’t want to rely on unverified or outdated methods that could worsen a situation. Instead, having reliable, scientifically-backed knowledge on hand can help you respond calmly and effectively, ensuring that you or others receive the best possible care until professional help arrives.
This article will walk you through 12 essential survival life hacks, each with a modern, medically informed perspective. Whether it’s handling common injuries like sprains and bruises or understanding how to respond when someone has been poisoned, each of these tips is designed to help you take safe and immediate action in an emergency. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of how to approach common emergency situations with confidence, improving the chances of a safer outcome for you and those around you.
1. Dealing with Foreign Objects in the Eye
When something as small as an eyelash gets into your eye, it can be uncomfortable, but if it’s a larger foreign object like glass, it’s critical to take the right steps. Here’s what to do:
- For Minor Irritants (like an eyelash): Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Look in a mirror to locate the object, blink to encourage natural tears to flush it out, and gently use a clean, damp cloth to remove it once it reaches the corner of your eye.
- For Serious Objects (like glass): Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Any manipulation can cause further injury. Instead, have someone drive you to a hospital where professionals can safely address the issue.
2. Avoiding Moisture-Trapping Ointments on Wounds
While it may seem logical to apply ointments or creams to a wound, this can actually create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Moisture can enable bacteria to reproduce faster and lead to infection. Here’s a safer approach:
- Clean and Cover: Use cool water and mild soap to wash the wound, and then dry it carefully.
- Apply a Dry Bandage: A dry bandage will protect the wound without creating excess moisture, allowing it to heal naturally.
3. Avoid Alcohol or Vinegar Rubbing for Fevers
When someone has a fever, avoid the age-old remedy of rubbing their body with alcohol or vinegar. These substances can be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing intoxication or raising acidity levels, which is particularly risky for children. Instead, take these steps:
- Cool the Room: Aim for a temperature of 61-64°F (16-18°C).
- Hydrate with Non-Alcoholic Fluids: Encourage drinking water, herbal teas, or other non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages.
- Seek Medical Help if Needed: If the fever persists, see a doctor, as professional care may be necessary.
4. Avoid Lifting Up an Unconscious Person
If someone faints, it’s a common misconception to lift them up to revive them. This can actually worsen muscle spasms and delay recovery. Here’s what to do instead:
- Elevate Their Legs: This position promotes blood flow back to the brain and aids recovery.
- Loosen Tight Clothing: Unbutton collars, belts, or anything else that might restrict blood flow.
- Avoid Stimulants Like Coffee: Once they regain consciousness, avoid giving them coffee or energy drinks, as caffeine can cause further dehydration.
5. Skip the Butter or Sour Cream for Burns
Applying butter or sour cream to burns is a long-standing myth that can actually cause more harm. The cooling effect from these refrigerated items may initially feel soothing, but they can trap heat in the skin, exacerbating damage. Instead, try this:
- Cool the Burn with Water: Hold the burn under cool (not cold) water for at least 15 minutes. This helps to reduce pain and minimize skin damage.
- Let Blisters Be: Blisters are the body’s way of protecting the wound from infection. Avoid popping them, as this could introduce bacteria.
6. Don’t Attempt to Set Bones on Your Own
Injuries involving dislocated or fractured bones can be extremely painful, and it may be tempting to try to set the bone yourself. However, unless you’re a trained medical professional, this can lead to further injury. Here’s what to do:
- Immobilize the Injured Area: Bandage the affected limb in a comfortable position, immobilizing the joint and the two closest joints if possible.
- Seek Professional Medical Attention: Get to a hospital or call for help to ensure that the injury is addressed safely.
7. Avoid Applying Heat to a Sprain
While heat may seem soothing for sprained muscles, it can actually worsen swelling by increasing blood flow to the area. Instead, take the following approach:
- Apply Cold Compresses: Use a cold pack on the sprain for 15-20 minutes at a time, especially within the first 48 hours. This helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Limit Use of the Affected Limb: Avoid putting weight on the sprain, giving it time to heal.
8. Skip Induced Vomiting in Cases of Poisoning
The standard advice of inducing vomiting after consuming a toxic substance can actually be harmful. Here’s why you should avoid it:
- Risk of Inhalation: Vomiting increases the risk of inhaling the substance into the lungs, which can lead to lung damage.
- Chemical Burns: In cases of chemical poisoning, vomiting may burn the throat a second time.
- Call Emergency Services: The safest course of action is to contact poison control or emergency services for guidance on how to proceed.
9. Rescuing a Drowning Person Safely
If someone is drowning and you’re a strong swimmer, you may be able to save them—but you should do so carefully. Here’s how to approach a rescue:
- Approach from Behind: By approaching a drowning person from behind, you reduce the risk of them panicking and accidentally pulling you underwater.
- Hold Securely: Grab them under their armpits or by the chin, keeping their head above water as you swim back to shore.
10. Do Not Remove Large Objects Embedded in Wounds
While it’s fine to pull out a small splinter or piece of glass from a finger, removing larger objects from a wound can be dangerous. Here’s why:
- Prevent Excessive Bleeding: Large objects embedded in a wound may be acting as a barrier, preventing blood loss. Removing them could lead to severe bleeding.
- Seek Medical Help Immediately: Stabilize the object as best as you can, avoid moving it, and get to a hospital for professional care.
11. Ice for Bruises: How to Do It Right
Applying ice to a bruise can reduce swelling, but doing it incorrectly can cause cold burns. Here’s how to safely use ice:
- Use a Cloth Barrier: Never place ice directly on the skin. Wrap it in a cloth or towel to prevent frostbite.
- Follow the 20/90 Rule: Apply ice for 20 minutes, then remove it for at least 90 minutes before reapplying. Do not use ice if more than 48 hours have passed since the injury.
12. Using Skin Glue for Small Cuts
While stitches are essential for deep wounds, minor cuts may be effectively closed with skin glue, which is less painful and easier to use. Here’s how to use skin glue safely:
- Clean the Wound: Rinse the area with cold water and gently pat it dry.
- Apply the Glue: Bring the wound edges together and carefully apply skin glue along the cut. Be sure not to let the glue seep into the wound itself.
- Seek Medical Help for Large Wounds: For extensive or deep wounds, avoid the DIY approach and get professional care to ensure proper healing.
Knowing the right steps to take in an emergency can save lives and prevent injuries from worsening. The 12 life hacks we’ve covered go beyond popular myths and provide you with the essential knowledge you need to act wisely in urgent situations. Whether it’s treating wounds, responding to a fever, or assisting someone who is drowning, having a clear and accurate understanding of first-aid practices can be an invaluable skill.
Remember, these hacks are designed to offer quick, immediate actions that can help you manage a crisis safely while awaiting professional help. However, it’s also essential to recognize the limits of DIY first aid. Whenever possible, seek medical assistance from trained professionals who can provide the comprehensive care needed to ensure full recovery.
Arming yourself with correct information not only empowers you to help others but also boosts your own confidence in handling emergency situations. Share this knowledge with friends and family, as each of us has the potential to make a life-saving difference. Being prepared with the right survival tips, you’ll be better equipped to remain calm, take effective action, and increase the chances of a positive outcome in challenging scenarios.
