There are many different first aid techniques done for different emergencies that can happen at any moment of every day. However, none of these compare to the panic and terror of a cardiac arrest. Giving CPR to a victim can save their life, but only when you do it correctly.
As with all bodily functions, things can go wrong in the middle of a CPR emergency or any other medical occasion. Yes, it happens! Don’t fret! Keep reading to learn some common errors with giving CPR and how to avoid them.
1. Not Calling for Help First
Before starting CPR, call for emergency medical services (EMS) so that professional help can arrive as soon as possible. This could be calling 911 or asking someone nearby to call for you. If you start CPR without calling for help, you could waste valuable time that could be used to save the person’s life after first aid.
2. Not Pushing Hard Enough
When you perform chest compressions in CPR, you need to push hard enough to make the chest move about 2 inches. If you don’t push hard enough, you won’t be able to get the blood flowing to the heart and brain. To make sure you’re pushing hard enough, place the heel of your hand in the center of the person’s chest and push down with your body weight.
3. Stopping Too Soon
Performing CPR can be exhausting, but it’s important to keep going until help arrives. If you stop too soon, the person’s heart may stop again, and you’ll have to start CPR all over again.
It’s normal to feel tired and overwhelmed during an emergency. However, remember that the person’s life is in your hands, and continuing CPR until help arrives can make all the difference in saving their life. If you’re tired, ask someone else to take over for you.
4. Not Giving Breaths Properly
When giving breaths during CPR, it’s important to make sure the person’s airway is open. You can do this by tilting your head back and lifting your chin. Then, pinch their nose shut and give two breaths into their mouth.
Make sure you see their chest rise with each breath. If their chest doesn’t rise, their airway may not be open, and you’ll need to adjust their head and try again.
5. Performing CPR Without Prior Training
While it’s possible to perform CPR without prior training, taking a CPR course will enable you to learn more about it and gain confidence in performing it correctly. By learning the correct techniques and gaining hands-on experience, you will be better prepared to handle emergencies and potentially save a life.
Don’t Make the Same Errors With Giving CPR
Common errors while providing CPR can be incredibly dangerous to the victim. By taking the necessary steps to avoid them, such as learning proper CPR techniques and having a CPR certification, you can help ensure you will perform CPR correctly.
Understanding and avoiding these errors with giving CPR makes a huge difference in saving someone’s life. Get certified in first aid today and start saving lives!
