According to the American Heart Association (AHA), out-of-hospital cardiac arrest causes the deaths of close to 350,000 Americans annually, making it a significant public health issue. Only around 10% of persons who experience these emergencies survive. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to make sure you are free from beginner CPR performance mistakes to help during a medical crisis.

Learning CPR is a life-saving technique used in emergencies to revive a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped. It is a simple yet effective way to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until medical help arrives. However, as a beginner, performing CPR can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the outcome.

Read on the five CPR performance mistakes and learn how to become a better lifesaver today.

1. Delaying CPR

When someone collapses or becomes unresponsive, time is of the essence. Every minute that passes without CPR reduces the chances of survival. Delaying CPR to call 911 or looking for an AED (automated external defibrillator) can be fatal.

As a beginner, it’s essential to remember that the first few minutes are critical. Start CPR immediately and continue until medical help arrives.

2. Insufficient Chest Compressions

Chest compressions help pump blood to the brain and other vital organs, keeping them alive until help arrives. One of the mistakes beginners make is not pressing hard enough.

Learning how to perform CPR through inadequate compression can prevent blood from flowing, reducing the chances of survival. To avoid this mistake, place your hands on the center of the person’s chest and push down firmly.

3. Not Tilting the Head Back Enough

Another beginner mistake is not tilting the head back enough. When someone collapses or becomes unresponsive, their airway can become blocked. Tilting the head back opens the airway, allowing air to flow freely.

However, beginners may not tilt their heads back enough, which can cause the airway to remain blocked. To avoid this mistake, CPR hand placement must be on the forehead and the other under the chin and gently tilt the head back.

CPR Performance

4. Neglecting Rescue Breaths

Breathing is an essential part of CPR. In addition to chest compressions, rescue breaths help supply oxygen to the brain and other organs. Beginners may not give breaths effectively, which can reduce the effectiveness of CPR.

Place your mouth over the person’s mouth and nose and give two breaths, each lasting one second. Watch for the chest to rise and fall as you breathe.

5. Stopping CPR Too Early

Too early as a beginner, it can be challenging to maintain the energy and strength needed to perform CPR. However, stopping CPR too early can be fatal. The person’s heart may not restart immediately, and stopping CPR prematurely can cause irreversible damage.

To avoid this mistake, continue applying pressure using CPR until medical help arrives. If you’re alone, continue performing CPR for at least two minutes before calling for help.

If you want to learn more about performing the proper steps of CPR, visit Cprcertificationnow.com. Having the proper knowledge can enable you to save lives.

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Know the Beginner CPR Performance Mistakes

Performing CPR can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, knowing how to achieve it can make a significant difference in someone’s survival. Remembering to avoid these common beginner CPR performance mistakes can increase the chances of success.

Begin immediately, press hard enough, tilt the head back enough, give breaths effectively, and continue until help arrives. With these tips, you can be prepared to save a life.

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© Ruchie Verma.

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