Do you want to learn the essential dos and don’ts when performing CPR?
CPR is a lifesaving technique that can keep someone from dying if their heart stops. While giving CPR may sound daunting, knowing something about resuscitating someone is helpful in case the need arises.
This article will guide you in the right direction and advise you never to perform CPR incorrectly.
Read on to learn about the most common CPR mistakes and how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
Not Performing Chest Compressions Correctly
It is essential to ensure that the compressions are deep and at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. If the reductions are not deep enough, they will not circulate blood and oxygen to the vital organs.
Not Calling 911
If someone is not breathing or not breathing normally, call 911 immediately and begin CPR. If you are not trained in CPR, call 911 and let the dispatcher talk you through the steps.
Do not try CPR without training, as you could do more harm than good. If you have any type of CPR certification, then begin chest compressions.
Many participants can do training, and you can get a group discount for CPR training. If you are interested, you may check some pages online that offer CPR training.
Not Giving Rescue Breaths Correctly
Rescue breaths are essential to CPR and must perform correctly to be effective. Giving rescue breaths is simple, but there are a few things to remember.
Ensure that the victim’s head tilts back and their chin’s lifted. This will open up their airway. Take a deep breath and seal your mouth over the victim’s mouth.
It would be best if you exhaled sharply to ensure that you filled the victim’s lungs with air. Finally, check to see if the victim is breathing on their own. If they are not, repeat the process.
Not Properly Positioning the Head
This can cause the rescuer to push on the wrong part of the chest and not compress the heart. Head positioning is essential in CPR because it ensures that the rescuer is pushing on the correct amount of the chest.
If the head is not positioned, it can cause neck and spinal injuries.
Not Continuing CPR for Long Enough
It is essential to continue CPR until the person is unconscious and has a regular heartbeat. If you stop CPR too soon, the person may become unconscious again, and their heartbeat may stop.
Always remember that CPR is a marathon, not a sprint, and stopping too soon can be as dangerous as not starting. The best thing to do is stay calm and focus on the task. If you feel like you are getting tired, take a break, but never stop completely.
Not Using the Proper Hand Placement
The correct hand placement for CPR is with the palms of your hands on the victim’s chest, below the nipple line. Your fingers are interlaced and positioned so that your bottom hand is higher on the chest than your top hand.
Remember to keep your elbows straight and use your body weight to perform the compressions.
Avoid These CPR Mistakes Starting Today
Learning CPR is an essential lifesaving skill that everyone should know. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to perform CPR, or they make common mistakes that can be detrimental.
Following the simple tips in this article, you can avoid making the most common CPR mistakes and help save a life.
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