Only about 40% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital get bystander CPR before help arrives (AHA CPR Facts & Stats). That means six out of ten people collapse and wait—doing nothing. Why? Fear. Misinformation. Myths. Let's kill them.
Should I really do CPR if I'm not trained?
Yes. If a teen or adult suddenly collapses and isn't breathing normally, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100 to 120 compressions per minute (AHA Hands-Only CPR). That's it. No breaths. No mouth-to-mouth. Just push until help arrives. You can't hurt someone who is already in cardiac arrest—they're dead without your help. Hands-Only CPR doubles or triples survival odds. So do it.
Is it true that an AED is complicated and risky?
No. An AED analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers a shock only if a shockable rhythm is detected (AED guidance). It won't shock someone who doesn't need it. You turn it on, follow the voice prompts, and place the pads as shown. For adults and kids 8 and up, one pad goes on the upper right chest below the collarbone, the other on the lower left side below the armpit (AED guidance). The machine does the thinking. And the payoff is huge: bystander-applied AEDs boosted survival to 66.5% compared to 43% when the first shock came from EMS (AHA PAD study). So find the AED and use it.
Should I put butter on a burn?
No. That old wives' tale traps heat and increases infection risk (Mayo Clinic burns). For a minor burn, run cool—not cold—water over it for 10 to 15 minutes, or until pain eases (Mayo Clinic burns). Then cover loosely with a clean cloth. If the burn is larger than the person's palm, or involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint, get emergency care immediately (Red Cross burns). Don't mess around with burns.
What's the correct way to help someone who's choking?
If an adult can't speak, breathe, or cough, give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Red Cross choking). Abdominal thrusts—the Heimlich—stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, and pull sharply inward and upward just above the belly button (Red Cross choking). If they become unresponsive, lower them to the ground and start CPR with 30 compressions (Red Cross choking).
Is it true that you should put something in a seizing person's mouth?
No. Never put anything in their mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue (Epilepsy Foundation). Instead, stay with them, keep them safe from hazards, and turn them onto their side to keep the airway clear (Epilepsy Foundation). Call 9-1-1 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, another one starts without full recovery, or they're injured or have trouble breathing (Epilepsy Foundation).
What about nosebleeds—should I tilt the head back?
No. Tilt the head forward slightly and pinch the nostrils together continuously for 10 to 15 minutes (Red Cross nosebleeds). Tilting back lets blood pool in the throat, which can cause choking or vomiting. If bleeding is severe or gushing, or doesn't stop after about 15 minutes of pressure, call 9-1-1 (Red Cross nosebleeds).
The real emergency: what to do for a suspected stroke
Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke (CDC Stroke Facts). Use F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1. If any of these signs appear, even briefly, call 9-1-1 immediately (American Stroke Association). Don't drive them yourself; EMS can start treatment en route. Time lost is brain lost.
| Emergency | Do This | Don't Do This |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac arrest | Call 9-1-1; start Hands-Only CPR; use an AED | Wait for help; do rescue breaths if untrained |
| Burn | Cool with running water 10–15 min | Apply butter, ice, or ointments |
| Seizure | Protect from hazards; turn on side | Put anything in mouth; hold down |
| Nosebleed | Sit forward; pinch nostrils 10–15 min | Tilt head back |
| Stroke | Call 9-1-1 immediately | Wait to see if symptoms go away |
Sources
- AHA Hands-Only CPR - https://www2.heart.org/site/DocServer/Hands_Only_CPR__Empower_Yourself_and_Save_A_Life_Toolkit.pdf
- Mayo Clinic burns - https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-treating-burns/
- Red Cross choking - https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/adult-child-choking
- Epilepsy Foundation - https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/EFA441_SeizureFirstAid_Wheelchair_05-2024_web.pdf
- American Stroke Association - https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/be-fast-materials/be-fast-infographic
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