Most people have completed a first aid training course at some point in their life, whether it be for work or simply being prepared to deal with such situations. One of the fundamental exercises covered is understanding how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on someone. This article looks at several misconceptions about CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AED) that new trainees often question when undertaking first aid training.
Can the patient’s ribs break during CPR?
In cardiopulmonary resuscitation you need to push firmly and close enough to the heart to maintain the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other critical organs; if a patients heart or lungs stop functioning independently. Chest compressions can only be successful if done in an extensive and fast manner
It is likely that you will hear the cartilage between the bones as well as the rib cage cracking when doing chest compressions, but it is unlikely that you will break the rib bones. In case that you do break their bones, co not worry about it as they will be around tomorrow to thank you for it.
Can individuals be inadvertently shocked by AED Defibrillators?
AEDs will not work unless the sensors built into them indicate a cardiac arrest like rhythm within the patient – and this is impossible to reproduce/imitate.
Do you have to be trained to use of an AED?
Not at all – many AED devices have built in voice commands detailing the exact instruction of what to do. This can be particularly useful in case of public access AEDs, where Defibrillators are housed in a cupboard and permitted to be utilised in a crisis by anyone. You will see these in public locations such as airports, sports arenas and public buildings; or anywhere that frequently contains many individuals.
Are AEDs highly-priced?
Ten years ago AED’s were £3200 to £4000, but due to advancements in technology they are far less expensive. The typical price begins at £1500.
If I do CPR wrong, I will hurt the patient?
You are better to do something than nothing. The patient’s life is more likely to be saved receiving CPR, the contrary being that they are going to die if you do not help them. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation will assist the blood moving around the body and organs and keep blood supply to the brain.
A patient’s odds of survival, particularly if CPR is performed promptly, can double or triple. Your time and effort can only help.
Will CPR always works?
The average success rate for Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is someplace between 2-7{15ea493c99fcde673dfd0b881f8e172db797693fe1f8f0dc288017edb71bda57} for adults, based on how soon it’s conducted following cardiac arrest. But it is always important to attempt CPR – it saves their life and can double or triple their opportunity for survival.
