If you are planning on becoming a lifeguard, teacher, or another type of professional, then a CPR certificate may be required for your employment. CPR training is necessary for this and you will learn to complete CPR properly. Before you begin your training, you should understand that there are many mistakes that can be made when performing chest compressions or rescue breaths. Keep reading to learn about some of the more common ones.

Compressions Not Deep Enough

During your training, you will learn where to place your hands over the heart so the organ can be placed under direct pressure. This pressure helps to move blood through the heart and the body. Pressure must be strong and consistent, especially since the heart is housed underneath the ribs. The ribs are slightly moveable due to the costal cartilage that attaches each bone to the sternum, but many people are concerned with breaking the ribs as they complete compressions.

RIbs are often during CPR, so you should not be shocked if you hear a snapping noise when CPR is completed. This means you are probably pressing hard enough on the chest.

To help with the strength and depth of your compressions, you also should make sure that you lock your elbows. Also, your fingers should be locked together and you should push straight down on the chest. If compressions are deep enough, then you will see the chest compress about two inches. If you are giving CPR to an infant, then the chest should only be compressed about 1.5 inches.

Stopping CPR 

Stopping CPR or interrupting the process can be devastating for the individual receiving CPR. Chest compressions and rescue breaths provide the body and the brain with just enough oxygen to survive. If you stop CPR or somehow forget where you in the process, then you can put the individual's life at risk and increase the chances of oxygen deprivation.

For this reason, you should make sure that you contact an emergency professional before starting CPR. Also, you should count out loud when giving compressions or when giving rescue breaths. It is not uncommon for a responder to become tired and for another individual to take over. However, a proper transition is only possible if you verbally indicate where you are in the CPR process.

Other types of issue that include attending to injuries should not be a reason to stop CPR. However, you should stop momentarily to clear the mouth and the airway if the individual vomits. This is necessary to keep the airway clear. 

If you want to know more about CPR and some of the common mistakes during the CPR process, speak with a training professional. 

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