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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts


Do You Know the Common First Aid Foibles?

By Psyche Pascual
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE

Many people approach medical emergencies with information they've picked up from their friends or from a popular television show. But real-life emergencies don't always follow the script. Sometimes you have to improvise, and the course of action that you believe is the safest can actually turn out to be the most dangerous. Take our quiz to learn the most common mistaken assumptions about first aid and how to avoid them.


1. The best way to deal with a snakebite is:

a. Cut the bite marks and suck out the venom.
b. Apply ice to the bite.
c. Use a tourniquet to prevent the poison from spreading.
d. None of the above

2. If you get bitten by a cat or dog, you will definitely need a rabies shot.

True
False

3. If someone accidentally ingests poison, you should stick your finger down the person's throat to induce vomiting.

True
False

4. To treat someone with hypothermia, you should do which of the following?

a. Massage the person's arms and legs to increase circulation.
b. Put warm compresses on their arms and legs.
c. Give the person a shot of alcohol to warm them.
d. All of the above.
e. None of the above.

5. Treating a stingray sting involves all but which of the following?

a. Cleaning the wound with fresh water.
b. Suturing any cuts with tape or stitches to prevent infection.
c. Soaking the wound in hot water.
d. Applying topical antibiotics.

6. The best first aid when a knife or other object has become embedded into someone's eye is to leave it where it is.

True
False



First published Sep 20, 2004


Last updated Aug 27, 2007


Copyright © 2004 Consumer Health Interactive, a CVS Caremark company