In Virginia, heart disease ranks as the primary cause of mortality, with fatal incidents such as drowning or choking ranking fourth. Therefore, an urgent response is mandatory, and what better way to help than to administer CPR?! Contrary to popular belief, immediate CPR can significantly increase the likelihood of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.
However, various misconceptions about CPR exist, and they frequently dissuade individuals from performing this critical action. When performed appropriately, CPR can potentially increase the survival rate of an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by two to three times. This article aims to dispel common myths about CPR while accentuating the significance of learning and performing CPR, so stick around if you want to learn more!
Top 5 Most Common Myths About CPR
To help educate the public and provide them with the tools they need to do CPR effectively, we have compiled and dispelled the five most popular myths about CPR.
We strive to teach everyone how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), from the correct technique to removing myths regarding rescue breaths and compression depth. Come with us as we dispel some prevalent CPR misconceptions and bring light to the reality.
- CPR Can Only Be Done By Trained Medical Personnel
Contrary to common belief, anyone is capable of learning and performing CPR. Studies show that bystander-initiated CPR can significantly increase the probability of survival.
No extensive medical training is necessary to learn CPR. Anyone can acquire basic to advanced CPR skills by simply attending an in-person or online course. While some knowledge is required when administering CPR, we cannot say the same about AEDs.
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is accessible, it can give voice commands and instruct the bystander on identifying cardiac arrest, administering chest compressions, and utilizing the device to perform a shock. So, you can use the device without prior knowledge about its functioning.
- CPR Always Results in Broken Ribs
Another thing many believe is that CPR always leads to rib fractures. Although the potential risk of rib fractures is indeed a consequence of chest compressions, the advantages of performing CPR significantly surpass this drawback. Even if your CPR administration leads to rib fractures or some other injury, there are certain laws that can protect you from legal liability as long as you are acting without malice.
Preserving blood flow to the vital organs is what CPR aims to achieve. When you perform CPR, you push the chest to create an artificial circulation. Although this action may cause the victim some physical distress, it can also help you save someone’s life.
Bear in mind that fractured ribs have the potential to recover, but non-immediate or delayed CPR frequently results in irreparable harm.
- Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation Is Always Necessary
Rescue breaths, more commonly known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, are no longer considered an essential part of CPR. A study by the American Heart Association shows that hands-only CPR can also be beneficial for the individual suffering from cardiac arrest. This modification is supported by evidence that chest compressions can effectively restore blood flow to the vital organs.
Continuous hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) entails performing 100-120 compressions per minute on the thorax. With this action, you can supply oxygen to the brain and other organs while sustaining blood flow. This technique enhances accessibility for the general public by its simplicity in learning, remembering, and performing.
- CPR Is Only Effective in Young, Healthy Individuals
One of the widespread misconceptions about CPR is that it is only effective in young and healthy individuals. The fact that the chances of survival go down with age and other existing health conditions implies that CPR can still administer substantial help until professional medical personnel arrive.
CPR works for people of any age. Compared to other studies around the nation and the globe, it had a success rate of 29% in emergency rooms with an age range of 60-75.
- CPR Is Only Necessary for Cardiac Arrest
While cardiac arrest is an emergency that most frequently requires the administration of CPR, it is not the only emergency in which it can be utilized. As an illustration, irrespective of the underlying cause, CPR can be administered to individuals with abnormal breathing.
CPR can also assist in sustaining vital organ function until medical assistance arrives in circumstances involving suffocation, drowning, or substance overdose. It is possible to preserve life by identifying the indications of distress and responding appropriately.
Debunking the Myths: Evidence-Based Facts About CPR
It should be remembered that CPR is a source of many prominent myths. To understand the essence of CPR, it is still essential to consider evidence-based facts.
- CPR doesn’t work every time: CPR does not always save lives. Statistics show that between 2% and 11% of people who receive CPR outside of a hospital survive the ordeal. This doesn’t change how important CPR is, though. Without CPR right away, there is no chance of survival.
- People having a cardiac arrest should cough: In reality, coughing during a heart arrest does not help. This concept, called “Cough CPR,” is not the same as the vagus nerve technique, which lowers the heart rate. People suffering from cardiac arrest should not forcibly try to cough.
- Online courses are inadequate: Online CPR classes are helpful but can’t replace real-life training. To do CPR correctly, you can combine online learning with practical knowledge attained in a real-life setting with a trained teacher. This gives you a chance to practice and get feedback immediately, ensuring you are doing the skills right.
Given that these myths are dispelled and truthful information is spread, we can help create a culture of readiness that allows proactive responses to various crises.
Benefits of Learning CPR and Being Prepared for Emergencies
Learning CPR involves more than having a lifesaving skill. It breeds confidence, makes you accountable, and positively affects your community. Here are some benefits of learning CPR:
- Confidence: To be skilled in CPR makes you capable of intervening in an emergency. You can be the person that helps save someone’s life, which is quite a big deal.
- Empowerment: Those learning CPR become lifesavers. Through preparation, you can step up when a situation calls for it.
- Community Impact: Educating people on CPR can positively impact them and the whole community. Motivate your friends, relatives, and workmates to learn CPR and prepare for emergencies.
- Personal Fulfillment: Being aware that you can save a life gives personal strength and meaning to your life. It is a lifelong skill that is better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Final Thoughts on the Importance of Dispelling CPR Myths
The administration of CPR increases the survival rate in cases of cardiac arrest and other medical conditions, but only if done immediately. However, we have seen many cases where people refrain from administering CPR because of misconceptions.
Old and common myths about CPR need to be dispelled to help motivate people to learn and use the skills when needed. Everybody can learn CPR, and since every second counts during a rescue attempt, using your skills as soon as possible is mandatory.
If you want to learn more about CPR techniques or need a refresher course, you can always look into some of our CPR classes in Virginia Beach and even get a brand-new certificate. So, call us and reserve your spot today!