Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique, but when administering CPR incorrectly, it can lead to poor outcomes. Knowing the right steps is critical, as it allows you to act swiftly and effectively in emergencies. However, many people make common mistakes while performing CPR due to panic, lack of training, or outdated knowledge. These mistakes can easily be corrected through proper CPR training and practice, which is why MyCPR NOW offers comprehensive online courses to ensure you’re well-prepared. In this post, we’ll discuss six common CPR mistakes in detail and how to avoid them, so you can be confident in your ability to save a life when the need arises.
#1: Failing to Call 9-1-1 Immediately
One of the most frequent and potentially dangerous mistakes people make during an emergency is neglecting to call for professional help right away. In the panic of the moment, many focus entirely on starting CPR without ensuring that emergency medical services (EMS) are on their way. This can delay advanced medical care, which is vital for the patient's survival.
When encountering an unresponsive person, it’s important to remember that CPR alone may not be enough to save a life—emergency responders equipped with defibrillators, medications, and advanced techniques are essential. You should either call 9-1-1 yourself or delegate this task to someone nearby before starting CPR. If no one else is present, call for help, place your phone on speaker mode, and then begin compressions. EMS teams bring advanced life support (ALS), which can significantly improve survival rates, so getting them on the scene as quickly as possible is critical.
Why It Matters:
Calling for help ensures that professional medical responders are en route, providing the victim with the best possible chance of survival. Every minute without medical assistance decreases the survival rate, so immediate action is essential.
#2: Not Assessing the Scene for Safety
Another crucial but often overlooked step in providing aid is assessing the safety of the scene. Many people rush to help without checking their surroundings, potentially putting themselves in danger. A key principle of first aid is that you should not become the next victim. Take a moment to ensure that the environment is safe before you approach the individual in need.
This step involves being aware of hazards such as live electrical wires, traffic, fire, or other dangerous situations. For example, if the victim is lying on a busy roadway, performing CPR without ensuring the safety of the area could put both you and the victim at risk of being hit by oncoming vehicles. In some cases, you may need to move the victim to a safer location before starting CPR.
Why It Matters:
If you are injured while trying to help, you can no longer assist the victim, and the situation could escalate. Always take a moment to conduct a quick scene assessment to protect yourself and others.
#3: Performing CPR with an Incorrect Chest Compression Rate
Maintaining the correct chest compression rate is vital for effective CPR. It is recommended delivering chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. However, many people either perform compressions too quickly, which can result in shallow, ineffective compressions, or too slowly, which reduces blood circulation and lowers the chances of survival.
A simple way to maintain the correct rhythm is by using the beat of a familiar song which has a tempo close to 100 beats per minute. You can also count out loud to help maintain a steady pace. Additionally, the compression-to-breath ratio is 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. This 30:2 ratio is important to ensure the brain and organs receive enough oxygenated blood during CPR.
Why It Matters:
A steady and correct compression rate helps circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs, increasing the chances of survival until professional help arrives.
#4: Using Incorrect Compression Depth
Just as important as compression rate is the depth of compressions on a person's chest. Many people either fail to compress the chest deeply enough or compress too deeply, which can cause injury. For adults, chest compressions should be about 2 inches (5 cm) deep. For children, compressions should be approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. Shallow compressions won’t effectively circulate blood, while overly deep compressions can lead to broken ribs or internal damage.
In CPR training, individuals often practice on mannequins that provide real-time feedback on compression depth. This kind of training is critical for developing a feel for how much pressure to apply during CPR. Without practice, it’s easy to either underperform compressions or use too much force.
Why It Matters:
Proper compression depth is necessary to ensure that blood is effectively pumped through the heart and into vital organs. Shallow compressions reduce blood flow, while excessively deep compressions can cause avoidable injuries.
#5: Incorrect Hand Placement and Poor Form
Another common mistake is placing the hands incorrectly on the chest or failing to maintain proper form during compressions. Hands should be positioned in the center of the chest, over the lower half of the sternum (breastbone), between the nipples. When you start chest compressions, ensure your hands are positioned correctly to maximize effectiveness. Failing to position your hands correctly can reduce the effectiveness of compressions, and in some cases, cause unnecessary injuries to the patient.
Additionally, many people perform compressions with bent elbows or incorrect posture, which limits the force applied and can quickly lead to fatigue. To avoid this, keep your elbows locked and use your body weight—not just your arms—to push down. This will ensure that you deliver effective compressions without exhausting yourself too quickly.
Why It Matters:
Proper hand placement and form maximize the effectiveness of each compression, ensuring the patient receives adequate blood flow. Poor technique reduces the effectiveness of CPR and increases the risk of injury.
#6: Ventilating Too Quickly or Forcefully
While performing a rescue breath, many people make the mistake of delivering breaths too quickly or with too much force. This can cause air to enter the stomach instead of the lungs, leading to vomiting or aspiration (inhalation of vomit into the lungs). Rescue breaths should be delivered slowly and steadily, taking about one second per breath, just enough to make the chest rise.
It’s also important not to over-ventilate. Delivering too many breaths can cause pressure to build up in the chest, reducing the effectiveness of chest compressions. Remember, the primary focus during CPR should be on maintaining blood circulation through compressions, with rescue breaths playing a supportive role.
Why It Matters:
Proper ventilation helps maintain oxygen flow without causing complications such as vomiting or reducing the effectiveness of chest compressions.
Avoid These Mistakes with MyCPR NOW’s Comprehensive CPR Training
MyCPR NOW provides online CPR training that helps individuals avoid these common mistakes by offering step-by-step instructions, practice quizzes, and detailed explanations of proper techniques. Our courses are designed to provide the most up-to-date guidelines, ensuring you are fully prepared to act during a cardiac emergency. Our courses provide detailed instructions on how to perform CPR correctly, ensuring you are prepared for any emergency. MyCPR NOW also offers free practice tests and quizzes, including the First Aid CPR quiz, so you can regularly assess and improve your skills.
These tests provide immediate feedback, allowing you to understand the mistakes you may be making and how to correct them. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone who wants to be prepared for emergencies, MyCPR NOW offers a user-friendly platform to help you gain the confidence and skills needed for effective CPR.
Conclusion
CPR is a life-saving skill that requires precision and practice to be performed effectively, especially during a cardiac arrest. By understanding the six common mistakes—failing to call 9-1-1, not assessing the scene for safety, incorrect compression rate or depth, improper hand placement, and incorrect ventilation technique—you can avoid potentially fatal errors.
MyCPR NOW offers comprehensive, accessible, and flexible training to help you master these techniques. With practice tests and expert support, you’ll gain the confidence needed to act quickly and effectively when every second counts. Take the first step toward becoming CPR certified with MyCPR NOW today, and ensure that you’re prepared to save lives when it matters most.
