Debunking CPR Myths

By  //  June 4, 2023

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure.

It is performed on someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. The goal of CPR is to restore a person’s heartbeat and breathing.

Over the years, several myths and misconceptions about CPR have emerged. They have led to confusion and harmful actions in emergencies. It is crucial to debunk these myths and educate people on the proper technique and approach to CPR.

One common myth is that you should offer water or other liquids to a person in cardiac arrest. This is not true and can be harmful as it can cause the liquid to enter the lungs and make the situation worse. It is essential to have accurate information about CPR to ensure the best possible outcome in an emergency. In this article, we will debunk some common myths around CPR. We will also provide useful information about the proper technique for performing CPR.

Apart from gaining basic knowledge from this blog, you may also consider taking an online CPR cDebunking CPR Mythsertification course. Register for the American HealthCare Academy CPR course to upskill yourself and learn CPR skills.

5 Common Myths 

Some of the common myths about CPR are as follows:

  1. CPR always saves lives: While CPR can be effective in saving someone’s life, it’s not a guaranteed fix. Survival rates depend on many factors. These include the cause of cardiac arrest, the response time, and the quality of CPR performed. In some cases, even with prompt and effective CPR, a person may not survive.
  1. You can only perform CPR on a flat surface: While performing CPR on a flat surface is ideal, it’s not always possible. In an emergency, performing CPR on a slightly uneven or soft surface is ok. Especially than not performing it at all.
  1. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is always necessary: Performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer required in many situations. Hands-only CPR is performed without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It is just as effective for adults who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.
  1. You can cause harm by performing CPR: The risk of causing harm during CPR is minimal, especially when compared to the potential benefits of performing it. It’s important to remember that the person you’re performing CPR on is already in a life-threatening situation, and prompt action can make all the difference.
  1. CPR is only for medical professionals: Anyone can and should learn how to perform CPR. Bystander CPR is a critical component of improving survival rates for cardiac arrest patients. CPR classes are widely available, and learning how to perform CPR could save someone’s life.

Real Facts

CPR is an emergency procedure used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The basic steps of CPR include compressions, opening the airway, and breathing. Chest compressions help pump blood to the heart and brain, while opening the airway and giving rescue breaths provide oxygen to the body. 

When performed correctly, CPR can increase a person’s chance of survival. However, it is important to note that CPR should only be performed by trained individuals, as improper technique can cause injury to the person receiving it. CPR techniques and guidelines may vary depending on the age and condition of the person in need of CPR.

CPR course in the USA: saving lives and fighting for every heartbeat

CPR courses in the USA teach individuals how to perform CPR and other life-saving techniques in emergencies. These courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to help individuals respond quickly and effectively in the case of a cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies. By learning how to perform CPR, individuals can help save lives and fight for every heartbeat.

American HealthCare Academy provides online CPR certification at various levels, from basic to advanced. Basic courses teach individuals how to perform CPR on adults. Advanced courses provide training on performing CPR on children and infants, using specialized equipment like defibrillators, and dealing with more complex medical emergencies.

CPR courses are available for different age groups. Many schools and organizations provide CPR training to students, teachers, and employees. Some workplaces also require employees to undergo CPR training as part of their job responsibilities. In addition to teaching the practical skills of CPR, their courses also cover important topics. Their courses include recognizing the signs of a medical emergency, calling for help, and staying calm under pressure.

CPR courses are an essential part of emergency preparedness. Everyone should consider taking a course to learn this life-saving skill. By doing so, individuals can help save lives and fight for every heartbeat.