Do you have to break ribs to do CPR? Don’t let a stressful moment get the better of you.
Before you learn how to perform CPR, you might be wondering whether you’ll break the patient’s ribs in the process. This is a valid concern, especially if you’re not a first-aid expert.
You don’t have to worry about this. If you want to learn how to save a life, avoid fears about performing CPR. Here’s everything you need to know!
Table of Contents
Why Do Ribs Break During CPR?
CPR is a life-saving technique used to help keep oxygen circulating in the body. Ribs can break during CPR due to the chest compressions. Depending on the level of compression applied, ribs can become broken or fractured.
However, performing CPR without the crack of a rib breaking is possible. Taking into account the weight of the patient, the rescuer needs to use the proper technique, which includes positioning their hands correctly and providing the right amount of compressions. Many institutions now provide “hands only” CPR which includes only doing chest compressions and no breaths.
How Often Are Ribs Broken During CPR?
It depends on the technique used. It is important to understand that ribs can break during CPR, but it is not something that will always happen. The correct technique is to be gentle and conscious of the ribs when giving compressions and to use the palm of your hand while keeping the fingers off the chest wall.
Providing chest compressions and effective rescue breaths are key to saving a life and should not be overlooked in fear of breaking a rib. If people are more aware of the risks and techniques of CPR, then there is no need to fear breaking a person’s ribs while providing this life-saving assistance.
Get certified through MyCPR NOW now to ensure you are capable of ensuring the preservation of life in a time of crisis.
The Benefits of Soft Compression CPR
Soft compression CPR does not involve compressions hard enough to possibly crack the ribs. This greatly reduces the risk of further injury to the patient.
By using a softer compression, not only are the ribs safe, but the CPR is more effective. The softer compressions allow more blood to be pumped to the heart, ensuring that vital organs receive the oxygen they need.
The potential for injury to the person performing CPR is also eliminated. By using soft compression CPR, bystanders can feel confident in administering it without worrying about the consequences of breaking ribs.
The Impact of Broken Ribs in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
The risk of rib fractures increases with the number of compressions performed during CPR. Broken ribs can cause sharp pain for the patient, impede breathing, puncture the lungs, and cause further deterioration of the patient’s condition.
It can also increase the risk of death due to the force needed to compress a patient’s chest, which can lead to fractures in the spine, pelvis, and other bones.
The Bottom Line: Do You Have to Break Ribs to Do CPR
Performing CPR correctly is necessary to save lives. Do you have to break ribs to do CPR? It should only occur when absolutely necessary, as it can cause additional injury to the patient and result in legal action.
To ensure the best outcome, learn how to properly administer CPR techniques. Taking a CPR class is the best way to prevent ribs from breaking while performing CPR.
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