In our everyday lives, we often encounter situations that can potentially be life-threatening. Knowing what to do in such cases can significantly affect your safety and well-being. We have compiled a list of valuable tips from an AskReddit thread where user u/luciflerfather3 asked people to share facts that could save lives. Keep these essential tips in mind; they might come in handy someday.
- “If your car’s accelerator pedal gets stuck or anything else causes unintended acceleration, shift to neutral.” “It might seem evident, but remembering to do so is difficult when it occurs, and it’s not an instinctive reaction. Turning the key off works, but it could lead to steering lock or loss of brakes.”
- “Whether you’re being assaulted or abducted, always try to scratch the attacker. This way, you’ll have their DNA under your nails.”
- “SLEEP WITH YOUR DOOR CLOSED. A closed door can leave your room virtually untouched if a fire breaks out while you’re asleep.”
- “A wagging tail does NOT always indicate a friendly dog.”
- “To break a car door window, don’t attempt to smash it in the center. Car door windows are usually tempered glass, which is more brittle along the edges, so strike there instead.”
- “Flammable and inflammable have the same meaning: CAPABLE OF BURNING.”
- “If you get lost in the woods, stay put! Your chances of finding your way out alone are slim, and you’ll only create a larger search area.” “Also, inform others precisely where you’re going and when you’ll return. If you’re not back by a specific time, ask someone to call for help.”
- “Most drunk driving fatalities occur on Saturday nights between midnight and 3 a.m. Avoid driving during these hours if possible.”
- “If you’re near the ocean and the water suddenly recedes or disappears, evacuate the area and head to higher ground as it’s likely a tsunami.”
- “As a former 911 operator, I advise you not to feel guilty about calling 911! (Unless it’s for trivial reasons, like a messed-up fast-food order.) They’ll direct you to call the non-emergency line if it’s not an emergency. An emergency isn’t limited to violent crimes; it includes crimes, potential crimes in progress, or situations that pose safety risks.”
- “Chemical burns differ from heat or fire burns, as they often don’t cause immediate pain.” “I lost a chunk of skin under my armpit due to industrial cleaner dripping under my rain suit. I rinsed my arm and didn’t see much redness, but 30 minutes later, my shirt was soaked in blood. The pain didn’t set in until the next day; a quarter-sized piece of skin had fallen off by then. Always read labels and remove chemicals as quickly as possible using the recommended method. Water isn’t always the best solution.”
- “If you need to vomit while scuba diving, do so directly into the regulator. Don’t remove the regulator from your mouth, as the instinct after vomiting is to inhale. The vomit will be expelled through the exhaust valve along with your bubbles.” “We did a discovery dive and weren’t taught this. Luckily, we were only a few feet deep. It could have been a life-altering day…”
- “Purple flags at the beach signal the presence of dangerous marine life. Most people understand other flags, but purple can be confusing.”
- “If you’re stuck on thin ice, lie down on your stomach and crawl/wiggle your way back to shore in the direction you came from. If the ice held you while standing, it should continue to hold you as your weight is dispersed over a larger surface area.”
- “Examine your testicles once a week, and don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you notice anything unusual.” “I had a scare earlier this year and delayed visiting the doctor for some time. I was foolish for waiting, but I felt uncomfortable having a doctor examine my testicles. Everything turned out fine, and I left the doctor’s office thinking, ‘this wasn’t as bad as I expected.’ Remember the old saying — doctors have seen countless genitals; yours is no different.”
- “When you’re near or on train tracks, be aware that trains move faster than they appear.”
- Lastly, you can perform the Heimlich Maneuver on yourself. “Additionally, if someone is coughing, they get air into their lungs. Never attempt the Heimlich Maneuver on a coughing person, as it can push the obstruction further into their throat and block it completely. If someone is genuinely choking, they won’t be able to cough. In that case, perform the Heimlich Maneuver until they start coughing.”
The world can be unpredictable, and preparing for whatever life throws is crucial. By being aware of these lifesaving tips, you are better equipped to handle emergencies and keep yourself and those around you safe. Remember, knowledge is power; in this case, it could mean the difference between life and death. Stay safe, stay informed, and always be prepared to act when necessary.
