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TOOTHPASTE as miracle relief for burns and scalds?
Or is such an unorthodox treatment more an old wives’ tale?
With World First Aid Day (WFAD) today, we debunk the myths and give you the facts by speaking to Mr K K Thiruchelvam, a first aid trainer with the Singapore Red Cross (SRC).
WFAD was introduced by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 2000 to raise awareness on how first aid can save lives.
Mr Thiruchelvam, 52, who used to be a medic, said first aid applied wrongly can do more harm than good.
He recalled seeing a victim with a scald on his arm given the wrong treatment more than 20 years ago.
The victim’s friends had applied toothpaste to the injury, he said. A day passed before they realised it didn’t work.
“It was all red and swollen, and the toothpaste was mixed with the pus that was flowing out of the wound,” he said.
That’s why Mr Thiruchelvam believes that everyone should learn first aid to save themselves and others in an emergency.
Since becoming an instructor with SRC in 1999, he has conducted first aid courses for more than 9,000 people.
From his experience, there is one popular notion that is true: That you never move an unconscious person involved in a road accident before the paramedics arrive.
Said Mr Thiruchelvam: “Unless the car is on fire and there’s a possible explosion, you should never move the victim unless you are trained to ascertain his injuries.”
Moving him the wrong way may aggravate any spinal injuries caused by the collision.
“If the victim is lying in the middle of the road, you should help to divert the traffic away from him,” he added.
But it is important to check whether he is breathing and apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation where necessary if you are trained, Mr Thiruchelvam added.
To find out how you can sign up for a first aid course with SRC, call 6336 0269 or visit www.redcross.org.sg.
Meanwhile, here are some of the myths debunked:
Myth #1 : Burns
Treat a burn or a scald with butter, mayonnaise, toothpaste or ice.
Expert advice
Not only is it unhygienic, the chemicals in the food substances may increase pain and cause infection.
“Toothpaste isn’t clean either because it is exposed to the environment once the cap is removed.
“Ice may cause a sudden drop of temperature and shock the victim.”
Solution
Gradually cool the affected area by running tap water over it.
Myth #2: Bee sting
If you are stung by a bee, you must squeeze out the sting.
Expert advice
“By squeezing your flesh, you are applying pressure to the sting, causing more toxin to flow into your bloodstream.”
Solution
Pull out the sting swiftly with a pair of tweezers to the part of the stinger that’s exposed above the skin.
Myth #3: Bruise
Rub a hard boiled egg over a bruise to ease blood circulation.
Expert advice
“The friction can cause even more internal bleeding.”
Solution
Apply an ice pack over the bruise to reduce internal bleeding.
Myth #4: Fainted
Place onion or garlic under the nose to revive a person who has fainted.
Expert advice
“This has no recorded medical benefit for this.”
Solution
One usually faints because of insufficient blood flow to the brain. Lay the victim face up and raise his legs to increase blood flow to the brain.
Myth #5: Black eye
Slap a raw steak on a black eye.
Expert advice
“The only thing it may achieve is to cause the face to become bloody due to stains from the raw meat.”
Solution
Apply an ice pack on the eye to reduce swelling. Seek medical attention to check for any head injuries.
Myth #6: Seizure
Insert a metal spoon into the mouth of someone having a seizure to prevent him from biting his tongue.
Expert advice
“There is no need to insert anything into the mouth. It is very rare for someone to bite his own tongue during a seizure.
“The metal spoon may injure the palate, the teeth and the gums.”
Solution
Lay the person flat on the ground then turn his body sideways. This will prevent his tongue from blocking his airway.
Myth #7: Bleach
If a child accidentally drinks bleach, insert a finger into his mouth to induce vomiting.
Expert advice
“This is not encouraged. The bleach is corrosive and may ‘burn’ the airway a second time during vomiting.”
Solution
Let the child drink more water to flush out the bleach and see a doctor immediately.
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