Do you want to learn how to save lives?
You may have heard that it’s important to know CPR. It is a lifesaving medical procedure that can help keep someone alive. Yet, there are some critical mistakes made when performing CPR.
To ensure you can help someone in need, you need to make sure that you understand how to do CPR correctly. Keep reading to learn about the top beginner CPR performance errors and how you can avoid them.
1. Beginner CPR Performance Errors Include Improper Compressions
Improper compressions are one of the most common errors. This should be smooth and consistent, no quicker than one hundred per minute.
The compression depth should be two inches, avoiding partial and overly deep compressions. Allow the chest to return to the starting position before beginning another compression.
To prevent improper compressions, practice beforehand and become comfortable with the technique. Additionally, use either a counting device or a metronome to help maintain a consistent rhythm and depth.
2. Lack of Breath Given
Lack of breath given is a common beginner error when performing CPR. When administering the breath, be sure to exhale a full breath of air into the mouth of the victim and watch for the chest to rise and depress at the proper rate.
It is also important to be conscious of the rate of breathing; giving too little breath can harm the victim. Inadequate breathing often leads to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body, resulting in complications that can cause long-term damage or even death.
3. Incorrect Hand placement
Incorrect CPR hand placement can be a common beginner error. This can happen when CPR is performed for the first time and the person acting it is not familiar with the correct hand placement.
Chest compressions should be performed with the heel of one hand over the center of the victim’s chest and the other hand placed over the top to stabilize the compressions. To avoid this mistake, it is important to follow the instructions given in CPR techniques, get proper training if available, and get certification online at Cprcertificationnow.com.
4. Ignoring the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
An irregular heartbeat typically causes cardiac arrest, and signs should include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and chest pain. To avoid these mistakes, read up on the latest recommendations from the American Heart Association and pay close attention to any signs of cardiac arrest.
5. Too Many Breathes
More breath happens because of a lack of training and misunderstanding of the suggested two breaths a minute. Too much breath can reduce the time available for chest compressions and cause the casualty to vomit.
Keeping a regular count on your head of compressions/breaths and proper CPR techniques per the AHA guidelines can help prevent this error.
6. Not Calling for a Professional
Failure to call for professional help can significantly delay medical aid and put the person’s life at risk. Be sure to call 911 as soon as possible to receive the proper help and intervention for the person needing CPR.
With Learning, You Can’t Go Wrong
By following the beginner CPR performance errors shared in this article, you can be sure that you are improving your chances of providing someone in need with effective CPR.
Take the time to understand the information and practice it. Knowing proper CPR can help save a life – get started today!
For more blogs like this, check out our other posts.