You are rushing to get to a loved one who has collapsed. You grab the AED, but nothing shows up on the screen.
You look up misplaced confidence and realize that there is no pulse. You call 911 and begin chest compressions, but nothing is going right.
Eventually, the paramedics arrive and discover that you have been trying to perform CPR incorrectly.
You aren’t the only one. Getting the right combination of chest compression and breath is not easy. Common beginner CPR mistakes prevent you from effectively saving these lives. Get expert CPR classes for CPR training.
That is why it is always suggested to avoid such common mistakes that can snatch the lives of your near and dear. This can be done by joining CPR Classes in Cleveland and other places to get skilled regarding perfect CPR. Here is a list of mistakes that one must avoid at the time of CPR as it can threaten the life of an innocent person. Beginners must avoid these mistakes to save the life of their patient.
Here are the most common CPR mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Checking for a Pulse
Before starting CPR, the person performing the procedure should always check the patient’s carotid pulse to ensure no pulse. Without checking, unnecessary chest compressions may cause additional harm to the patient.
To avoid this mistake, the person performing CPR should always take time to check for a pulse in the patient. To check, first, locate the patient’s carotid artery, press gently into the person’s neck, and listen for a response.
2. Not Doing Chest Compressions
To avoid this mistake, always begin administering CPR with chest compressions. Doing chest compressions helps to circulate oxygenated blood to the body and get the heart to beat. Reductions should be made in the center of the chest, and the depth should be approximately 2″ in adults.
If a defibrillator is available, use it after 30 chest compressions. CPR with chest compressions should be done until a pulse is felt or an AED arrives to analyze the heart rhythm.
3. Not Rescuing
Every second counts in CPR, so it is essential for those administering it to remain diligent and not get prematurely discouraged. If a rescuer believes the person is unresponsive and not breathing, they should immediately begin chest compressions. It is essential to understand that bystander CPR can double or triple the chance of survival.
4. Breathing Unsafely
Not checking patients’ breathing properly can end their lives, as CPR can cause death if performed incorrectly. To avoid this mistake, look, listen, and feel for any signs of breathing before beginning CPR.
Watching the patient’s chest to ensure it rises and falls is essential. Additionally, rescue breaths must be given with a steady, consistent rhythm and last about one second.
5. Not Doing Compressions Fast Enough
Beginners need to think of the CPR compression rate as a fast rhythm, like a dance beat, to ensure they are keeping up a consistent pace and are compressing with enough power. Additionally, a metronome can help a beginner maintain the proper pacing.
Finally, beginners should practice compressions on a CPR training dummy to get comfortable with the proper timing and pressure before administering it to an actual patient. If you want to know how to perform CPR, visit Cprcertificationnow.com.
6. Neglecting Rescue Breaths
It is vital to ensure that a rescuer gives rescue breaths as soon as possible to provide oxygen to the victim. To avoid this beginner mistake, rescuers should ensure rescue breaths are offered at a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths, with each rescue breath lasting one second.
Avoid These Beginner CPR Mistakes
Overall, following the steps and avoiding the common beginner CPR mistakes can help prove to be a critical difference between life and death. Understanding the proper steps to take when performing CPR and taking precautions to avoid mistakes is crucial. So don’t hesitate; take the time to educate yourself and practice your CPR techniques.
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