4 Common Mistakes in Giving CPR and How to Avoid Them
You’ve finally passed your health and wellness class. You know how to perform CPR – or so you think. But have you ever done it before?
Chances are that if you have done this class, you probably made some mistakes when trying to perform CPR. That can happen to anyone. But how do you know how to avoid making these mistakes?
We are here to help. Read on to learn about some of the most common mistakes in giving CPR and how to avoid them.
1. Applying Compressions Too Hard or Too Soft
If compressions are too soft, they may not be sufficient to circulate the blood throughout the body. Compressions that are too hard may cause rib fractures and internal injuries.
To avoid this mistake, the depth of compressions should be at least two inches, and the rate should be 100-120 compressions per minute.
Additionally, the rescuer should decrease the compression pressure slightly when the chest wall begins to recoil. Any chest compressions performed should be smooth and continuous.
The rescuer should also refrain from lifting their hands off the patient’s chest during compressions because this can disrupt rhythm. Practicing CPR on a dummy is a great way to reduce the chances of making mistakes. So, make sure to enroll in CPR training classes and get certified today at Cprcertificationnow.com.
2. Not Coordinating Breaths to Compressions
When rescuing someone from cardiac arrest, achieving a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths during the entire process is important. Compressions should be given at least 100–120 per minute for a single rescue cycle. When administering breaths, it’s important to ensure that the victim’s airways remain open while compressing at the same rhythm.
To help ensure proper technique, many organizations recommend counting aloud to synchronize both actions. Breathing slowly and steadily while compressing and giving full breaths instead of lightly puffing is vital.
3. Failing to Check Circulation or Responsiveness
One common mistake when administering CPR is failing to check for circulation and responses. Before attempting CPR, it’s essential to ensure breathing and circulation are absent. To check for the absence of breathing and circulation, first, position yourself near the patient and check for the abduction of their chest movement, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for their pulse.
If signs of breathing or a pulse are present, further help should be sought immediately. If absent, compress the chest to provide CPR. Pay attention and never rush, as this could be a fatal mistake.
4. Ignoring a Need for Advanced Help
It is also important to recognize when advanced help is needed so the person giving CPR does not ignore the need for it. If an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is needed, the person giving CPR must pay attention to the urgency and use an available AED as soon as possible.
Maintaining an open airway and minimizing interruptions during chest compressions are key. Social factors may also need to be addressed, such as asking bystanders to step away while CPR is being administered. Making sure to call 911, if you have not already done so, is also important.
Avoid These Mistakes in Giving CPR Today
Giving CPR improperly can have serious implications, so it is important to understand the technique completely. By avoiding common mistakes in giving CPR, we can have better chances of saving lives.
To ensure you are performing CPR correctly, seek local emergency medical services.
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