As the proverb goes, caution is the parent of safety. The truth is that we never expect the worst to happen; hence we rarely prepare for what we would do if it did. For many, the only training they have ever done was fire and first aid training in school. In fact, according to research by the British Red Cross, only 5% of individuals have the knowledge and confidence necessary to give first aid in an emergency. Such a low percentage shows that the majority of the population is, in fact, unaware of how to respond to potentially detrimental situations. While health and fitness tips are important, tips that could save your life one day are, arguably, even more so.
Still, while knowing first aid is arguably No 1 of the life-saving skills one may possess, fire, a car crash, a tsunami, or a heart attack are just a few of the things that can be deadly. Hence, when someone in the AskReddit community asked, “What’s a tip that everyone should know which might one day save their life?” thousands of people jumped on the thread to share potentially life-saving tips with others. Things such as driving on a slippery road or putting an intoxicated person in the recovery position are just some of the life lessons not taught at school, yet, those might be the things that will save your life (or that of someone you love) one day.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best answers from the thread, sharing the many tips that can save your life or someone you care about. Learned something new or discovered any good tips? Make sure to give them an upvote. Ever been in a life-threatening situation? Anything you learned from it or wish you had known earlier? Share your thoughts in the comments.
#21
"If you are ever being attacked or kidnapped by someone with a nose ring, earring, or any sort of visible piercing, tear it out. It hurts. Especially the nose ring."
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28points
#22
"When the government is shutting down events that are outdoors due to bad weather or closed off certain areas because of danger or sends out an evacuation notice. Listen and don't do the opposite putting others in danger."
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28points
#23
"Moss can grow on any side of a tree, not just north. Do not use this for navigational purposes if you become lost in the forest. A compass is a much more precise instrument of navigation, and should be your constant companion if you decide to go hiking/camping."
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28points
#24
"If you are watching over a drunk friend, make them put on a backpack stuffed with pillows/blankets before they lay down. That way they can’t roll over."
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27points
#25
"Learn basic first aid. It could save you and or someone else and at least gives you the best chance till you get proper medical attention. I should say that first aid courses are usually easy to find and are worth your time no matter where or what you do."
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27points
#26
"Never search for your keys. Always have them in your hand. Before you leave one destination to go to the car, before you leave your car to go into your house. Always have the key you need in your hand."
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27points
#27
"If you get kidnapped/abducted, fake a seizure. Many kidnappers don't want to deal with a deathly ill victim and will most likely leave you. Not to mention it draws attention when done in a public place."
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27points
#28
reddit used said:
"If you're ever kidnapped... and you or your family are not rich. Fight (and run) with all you have because you are not being kidnapped for ransom."
"If you're ever kidnapped... and you or your family are not rich. Fight (and run) with all you have because you are not being kidnapped for ransom."
Spinolio replied:
"Any time your captors are going to move you to a second location, you are more or less already dead. Might as well roll the dice and put up the best fight you can manage."
"Any time your captors are going to move you to a second location, you are more or less already dead. Might as well roll the dice and put up the best fight you can manage."
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26points
#29
TheLightningCount1 said:
"If you drop a loaded gun, do not try to catch it. Let it fall. Modern firearms do not just "go off" for like no reason. Trying to catch it makes it easier to accidentally pull the trigger. Before people go off about antique guns and blah blah yadda yadda. Unless you are at the range, your antique needs to be in its case or you are an irresponsible gun owner. Modern firearms do not just fire off like that."
"If you drop a loaded gun, do not try to catch it. Let it fall. Modern firearms do not just "go off" for like no reason. Trying to catch it makes it easier to accidentally pull the trigger. Before people go off about antique guns and blah blah yadda yadda. Unless you are at the range, your antique needs to be in its case or you are an irresponsible gun owner. Modern firearms do not just fire off like that."
liposwine replied:
"Also a knife. A dropped knife has no handle."
"Also a knife. A dropped knife has no handle."
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26points
#30
notreallysrs said:
"If u get bit by something with venom don't try to suck it out."
"If u get bit by something with venom don't try to suck it out."
sojahi replied:
"The current advice is pressure immobilisation with wide elastic bandages if you have them, or strips of cloth/ pieces of clothing if you don't."
"The current advice is pressure immobilisation with wide elastic bandages if you have them, or strips of cloth/ pieces of clothing if you don't."
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26points
#31
"If you are stuck in your car during a dire emergency, take the headrest off your seat, if applicable, and use it to smash the window."
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26points
#32
"Close your eyes when you hear an explosion. It might save your eyes from small shrapnel."
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25points
#33
"If you feel really sick and have a sense of impending doom go to the doctor immediately."
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25points
#34
"If a police officer tries to pull you over in a dark isolated area, don't stop until you reach a public place. People pretending to be police to rob or kidnap people is a real thing."
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24points
#35
"If you’re ever in a potential life or death situation involving another person, don’t be afraid to fight dirty. It’s better to pop a testicle, damage a mammary gland, or gouge an eye than die. It sounds like common sense, but it’s forgotten a lot when confronted with such a unique situation."
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24points
#36
"If something about a situation just feels "wrong" or "dangerous", trust your gut instinct. Your gut instinct is the result of millions of years of evolution, and its sole purpose is to keep you alive. It's better to embarrass yourself or insult someone else than to die."
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24points
#37
"Prop someone on their side when they're drunk and passed out. If they're laying on their back and start vomiting they could asphyxiate themselves."
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23points
#39
"When going to a rural or not-as-wealthy country, never drink raw water. Always drink water or drinks that are bottled or canned. This can’t really save your life, but it will protect you from diseases and stomach poisoning."
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23points
