Years ago, I was at the beach when I got caught in a ripcurrent. I was with my brother and my mother could only watch in horror as we were pushed further out to sea. It was then that I remembered something: To swim parallel. I remembered reading about that in a novel once. I decided to try it: I calmed my brother down and we did just that. Soon, we were out of the danger zone. We then slowly, very slowly, made our way back to shore to a very relieved mother.
After Redditor danikm10 asked the online community, "What is a little known fact that could save a life?" people shared their best advice.
"You can still drown..."
You can still drown up to 72 hours after a non-fatal drowning or other aquatic incident via water remaining in your lungs afterwards and causing edema (swelling).
Shortness of breath, wheezing or raspy breathing, chest pain are all signs to look for and one should get medically checked out ASAP, even without any symptoms after a near-drowning/aquatic incident it is highly recommended.
"It's a stroke that requires..."
Learn the elementary backstroke. It's a stroke that requires less energy to swim. Lay on your back. Keep your chest inflated to stay afloat.
"They cannot choke..."
Do NOT put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure. They cannot choke on their own tongue, but they can choke on a wallet, belt, etc.
DO turn them on their side, time the seizure, and call 911 (or your local emergency services if not in America).
"Do not mix..."
Do not mix household chemicals unless you know specifically what the result will be. Specifically do not mix bleach with anything other than water.
"Have a schedule..."
Have a schedule to check your gas pipes, gas convector, water heater, anything that can produce carbon monoxide.
It's a silent killer.
"If you drive..."
If you drive or are a passenger in a car, make sure to put your head rest up behind your head. Keeps your neck from snapping in an accident. Even minor accidents can mess you up!
"Breaking a window..."
Puncturing an orange with your bare hands takes the same amount of force as puncturing a human eye. If you're attacked and have no other options, go for the face with confidence.
Breaking a window doesn't require weight, it requires force. If you ever need to break a window choose something hefty but most importantly manageable; momentum will give it plenty of force. Also aim for the corners.
"Unfortunately..."
If a diabetic is unconscious or confused they need sugar, NOT insulin.
Unfortunately many die because people do not know about the risks of low blood sugar and refuse to help a confused person who can't speak clearly find some juice/candy. Asking for a candy as an emergency is a valid thing, people literally die if they don't get it, it could save so many lives if people knew it and didn't think this is absurd.
"The forest is full..."
Take Benadryl to the forest with you. The forest is full of lifeforms you do not usually come into contact with, in other words a treasure trove of allergies you didn't know you had. A hiker carrying Benadryl saved my brother's best friend after he stepped in a hornet's nest with no known allergies.
"Whether they're sick..."
Unconsciousness is a medical emergency. Whether they're sick or got knocked out creating fodder for fightporn, a person who is unconscious must be evaluated at an emergency room.
Want to "know" more? Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again. Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.
