CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heart stops beating or they are not breathing adequately. However, for those who are not trained or confident in performing CPR, a common concern arises: What happens if I perform CPR incorrectly?
The Good News: Doing Something Is Better Than Doing Nothing
When someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. The brain and other vital organs begin to suffer irreversible damage within minutes of oxygen deprivation. The critical takeaway here is that any attempt at CPR is generally better than doing nothing at all. Even if the CPR is not perfect, the chest compressions can help maintain some level of circulation until professional help arrives.
Possible Outcomes of Incorrectly Performed CPR:
- Ineffective Compressions:
- Too Shallow or Too Slow: If your chest compressions are too shallow or slow, the blood flow to the brain and other vital organs might be insufficient. While this may reduce the effectiveness of CPR, it still provides some benefit compared to no action.
- Too Deep or Too Fast: Compressing too deeply or too rapidly can cause injury, such as broken ribs. However, this is generally not a significant concern, as broken ribs can be treated, and the priority is to restore circulation.
- Incorrect Hand Placement:
- Placing your hands too high, low, or off-center on the chest can reduce the effectiveness of compressions. It might lead to reduced blood flow, but it is still preferable to no compressions at all.
- Ventilation Issues:
- If you provide breaths incorrectly (e.g., not sealing the airway properly or giving too much air), it may not deliver effective ventilation. However, if you are uncomfortable providing breaths, hands-only CPR is a highly effective alternative that focuses on continuous chest compressions.
- Potential Rib Fractures:
- It’s not uncommon for ribs to break during CPR, especially in older adults. While this can be alarming, it’s essential to understand that rib fractures are not life-threatening, and they indicate that the compressions are deep enough to potentially be effective.
Legal Protections: The Good Samaritan Law
One important thing to note is that in many places, including the United States, Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection to bystanders who provide emergency assistance in good faith. These laws typically protect you from liability as long as you act reasonably and within your training.
Conclusion: Take Action, and Learn CPR
While performing CPR incorrectly may result in less-than-optimal outcomes, it is still better than doing nothing. The most crucial factor is taking action and doing your best to help. To reduce the likelihood of performing CPR incorrectly, consider taking a certified CPR course, where you can gain hands-on practice and build your confidence. Remember, in an emergency, your actions could save a life, even if they aren’t perfect.
If you haven’t already, consider signing up for a CPR course to refine your skills and be prepared to act confidently in an emergency. At Arise Safety and CPR, we offer comprehensive CPR training to help you be ready when it matters most.
To sign up for a class in Indianapolis follow this link: Arise Safety and CPR
