Most Common CPR Mistakes, Everyone Should Know

Last updated:
12/30/2022

Key Takeaway:

  • Not calling 911 is a common CPR mistake because every second counts in giving the victim the best chance of survival.
  • Failing to perform chest compressions correctly can cause the life of heart attack or cardiac arrest victims.
  • Bending your fingers while performing CPR results in ineffective blood circulation inside the victim's body.
  • The victim's body doesn't receive adequate oxygen when performing CPR by crisscrossing or double-crossing your hands.
  • It's important to ensure the place is safe to begin CPR and know exactly what the victim needs.
  • Rescuers should enroll in trusted and approved CPR training classes for proper learning of CPR.

Contents

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most important life-saving procedure and helps save at least 18% of the victims who have suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Mistakes can be made by anyone, even professionals. See the most common CPR mistakes in the video below:

1. Forgetting to call 911

Not calling 911 is a common CPR mistake because every second counts in giving the victim the best chance of survival. In addition, the Emergency Medical Services team and Healthcare Professionals have a more proper and advanced treatment for the victim.

 

2. Not applying ample pressure

Failing to perform chest compressions properly can cause the life of heart attack or cardiac arrest victims. Always apply the right pressure when performing CPR, about 100-120 compressions per minute.

 

3. Bending the fingers

Bending your fingers while performing CPR results in ineffective blood circulation inside the victim's body. Bending the fingers produces a massaging action instead of a compression.

 

4. Criss-crossing the hand

The victim's body doesn't receive adequate oxygen when performing CPR by crisscrossing or double-crossing your hands. Remember that hands should be straight over the other for a maximum force of chest compression.

 

5. Not taking adequate safety

Most of the time, rescuers start performing CPR before checking the scene's safety. It's important to ensure the place is safe to begin CPR and know exactly what the victim needs.

CPR can help save a life during a cardiac attack or other medical emergencies. However, remembering the CPR steps and administering them correctly can be challenging even after training. Hence, people should join trusted and approved CPR training classes for proper learning of CPR.

USCPROnine offers online CPR certification courses that follow guidelines established by the American Heart Association (AHA), Red Cross, and OSHA. Our CPR certification is internationally accepted and acknowledged by employers, volunteer organizations, regulatory associations, and public health groups

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