Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the basic emergency first aid procedure used to save lives when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. While its importance cannot be overstated, many individuals are hesitant to perform CPR due to fears of causing harm. Have you ever wondered, “Will I break ribs if I do CPR?” In this article, we’ll delve into this common concern, dispel myths, and provide a clear understanding of the realities surrounding CPR.
The Fear of Breaking Ribs if You Do CPR
Providing CPR is a scenario that many have played out in their minds: the idea of performing CPR on someone only to hear the unsettling crack of ribs beneath your hands. Understandably, this fear can deter people from intervening in life-threatening situations, but it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. However, proper knowledge and being informed will prevent this from being a hindrance to providing proper first aid to the victim. So, in essence, you do not need to be fearful of breaking ribs while performing CPR.
Understanding CPR
Before addressing concerns about broken ribs, let’s first understand what CPR entails. CPR functions by maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation in the body when the heart and breathing have stopped. CPR consists of a combination of alternating between performing chest compressions and delivering rescue breaths, essential for delivering oxygen to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. CPR is usually administered in the event of a cardiac arrest. This helps in stabilizing the person’s condition until medical help arrives.
The Canadian Red Cross recommends performing chest compressions at 100 to 120 beats per minute. There are different procedures for performing CPR for adults, children, and infants. However, the rate of beats per minute of the chest compressions is the same for all. You can perform compression-only CPR as well if the circumstances prevent you from delivering rescue breaths.
The Reality of Rib Fractures if You Do CPR
Will I break ribs if I do CPR? Here’s the answer: It’s true that during CPR, especially when performed correctly with the necessary force and depth, you can break ribs. The chest compressions required in CPR involve applying pressure to the sternum, which can lead to the cracking or breaking of ribs, particularly in older individuals or those with fragile bones. The possibility of breaking ribs if you do CPR varies from case to case. The focus and purpose of CPR is to save the life of the person suffering from cardiac arrest. Breaking of ribs may occur as a consequence of CPR, but this should not deter the first aider from performing CPR properly.
Importance of Effective CPR
While the idea of causing harm can be unsettling, it’s essential to recognize that the risk of rib fractures pales in comparison to the potential consequences of not performing CPR. Without immediate intervention, a person experiencing cardiac arrest is unlikely to survive. According to the statistics of Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, only one in ten people that experience cardiac arrest survive without any medical care. CPR buys precious time by keeping vital organs oxygenated until professional medical assistance can be provided. Therefore, it is evident that saving the life of a person takes priority over breaking ribs while performing CPR which will give the person the best chance of survival.
Post-CPR Care
After performing CPR, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for the individual as soon as possible. Even if ribs are fractured, timely medical intervention can address potential complications and provide the necessary treatment. If you are still worried that you will break ribs if do CPR, you need to remember that the purpose of CPR is to stabilize the condition of the person suffering from cardiac arrest and prevent them from deteriorating.
If the victim is unconscious, the first aider should keep performing CPR till the person starts breathing normally, then check the victim’s ABCs. If the victim regains consciousness, the first aider should ask them how they are feeling and stay with them until medical help arrives. The first aider should continue to monitor the victim in both situations until medical help arrives.
First Aid and CPR Training with Coast2Coast
Now that you are aware that breaking ribs while doing CPR is not something to be afraid of; you can deliver CPR properly to anyone in need and save lives. As mentioned earlier, proper First Aid and CPR training removes all the misconceptions and fears in your mind. It provides you with relevant knowledge and skills that will enable you to provide proper care to any person in need of first aid.
At Coast2Coast, we offer the best value for your money, teaching you all you need to know about First Aid and CPR. In the course, you also clarify any doubts you have, such as if you will break ribs if you do CPR.
Enroll in our First Aid and CPR course today and gain all the required knowledge and skills from our qualified instructors to properly deliver first aid and CPR in an emergency. After completing our First Aid and CPR training, you will feel confident in your skills and knowledge of first aid, and you will be able to remain calm and promptly handle medical emergencies.
