Would you know what to do if a person went into cardiac arrest before you? If not, it’s up to you to learn.
When saving a life, a few simple steps make all the difference. When unsure where to begin, making a few common beginner mistakes when learning CPR is easy.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Keep reading for the top common beginner mistakes with CPR.
-
Not Doing Chest Compressions
When performing chest compressions, you should press down hard at least two inches on the chest wall, allowing the chest to come back up before pushing down again. This is a crucial step when administering CPR properly. Applying pressure in CPR must be done at least 100 times per minute to achieve effective results.
To avoid this mistake, practice on a CPR dummy periodically and, if possible, enroll in a hands-on CPR certification course. Also, read instructions beforehand to be well-prepared if a situation arises.
-
Breathing Unsafely
A common beginner mistake people make with CPR is breathing unsafely. Not positioning the face and head properly can result in breathing problems, especially if the lungs do not fill with enough air to provide sufficient oxygen flow. Ensure the head and neck are aligned correctly and the chest rises and falls properly with each breath.
Another mistake is not ensuring the victim has a good seal over the mouth and nose. Ensure the chin is tilted up and the jaw closed firmly. To avoid air leakage, you should use a pocket mask or barrier device, such as a CPR mouth shield.
-
Neglecting Rescue Breaths
Rescue breaths are necessary because they provide oxygen to the person being resurrected. Without rescue breaths, chest compressions are ineffective. To avoid this mistake, rescuers should pay attention to their chest compressions to breathing ratio.
Some CPR courses teach rescuers to count a certain number of breaths over a specific period. By keeping these guidelines in mind, rescuers can ensure rescue breaths are administered effectively.
-
Not Checking for a Pulse
To help ensure the safety of the patient, it is paramount that an individual verify if the patient is still alive and has some pulse. To do this, gently place two fingers on the patient’s neck, just below the jaw, and feel for a pulse. If an individual is unsure if they have found a pulse, they may count the beats for five seconds, then multiply this result by 12 and ensure a sufficient cardiac output.
-
Not Rescuing
If another bystander is present, delegate the task of finding an automated external defibrillator (AED), as this machine may be necessary to help restart the heart. Additionally, be sure to use proper technique when performing CPR. It is essential to compress through the chest, not the stomach, and not press too deeply or too shallowly.
To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to stay up-to-date with certifications, brush up on basic techniques before addressing an emergency, and communicate with other rescuers regularly. If you want to learn more about how to perform CPR, visit website.
Avoid These Beginner Mistakes With CPR
Common beginner mistakes with CPR can be easily avoided with proper training and practice. Learning the basics of CPR and staying updated with the current guidelines can increase the chance of saving a life. Don’t be intimidated – take an accredited CPR class to improve your skills and confidence!
If you enjoy this article, explore our website for more articles like this one!
