350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital every year. This number is considerably high and alarming. Interestingly, bystanders can be the difference between life and death for those suffering in this situation, by applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.
But because of misconceptions and myths surrounding this life-saving practice, it is easy for many to turn their backs when they are needed the most. For this reason, and many more, a CPR course is crucial to understand and learn how to perform this life-saving practice.
CPR is widely known because of how the entertainment industry depicts the medical practice in movies and TV series. However, the portrayal of CPR in these shows only represents part of the life-saving method. There is more to it than meets the eye.
Amidst the prevalence of CPR, many people misunderstand what it is. What is worst is that not many individuals have the proper education to perform the medical practice correctly.
This article will get in-depth with the common misconceptions of CPR training that make people shy away from acquiring the skill. Other than that, we will also debunk these misconceptions one by one. Let us find out!
Debunking Common CPR Myths and Misconceptions
Before we shed light on the common misunderstandings of performing CPR, let us get to know more about the well-known first aid method.
Since 1960, CPR has saved thousands of lives and has become a vital discipline in healthcare. With CPR’s aptitude to save lives, many should be acquainted with it. Besides healthcare workers, laypeople can also perform the medical practice to respond to life-threatening incidents, like when someone is not breathing normally, or their heart has stopped pumping enough oxygen to the body (cardiac arrest).
Studies show that 80% of cardiac arrest incidents happen at home. That is why now is the perfect time to learn how to perform CPR properly. It is a vital skill to learn, especially for those who are not working in the healthcare industry but want to reduce the risks of deadly incidents.
Now that you know more about CPR, here are the common misconceptions and myths to be aware of. We will debunk them in the list below.
Myth Number 1: It Is Mandatory to Provide Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation
Sometimes, people only notice mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when someone is providing CPR. But it is not always the case because giving a victim artificial ventilation through the mouth is not mandatory. It is a misconception that leads to hesitations in learning a CPR course.
When a professional or a rescuer demonstrate CPR to a victim, they will immediately carry out multiple chest compressions. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) suggests prioritising chest compressions over mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Myth Number 2: You should not perform CPR if you are not confident in your ability to perform it
It is true that CPR does not work all the time, as it can only provide 20% of the body’s oxygen requirement to keep the brain alive. Sadly, you cannot rely on CPR alone to keep a person breathing, and statistics attest that the survival rate of cardiac arrests amongst adults in places besides a hospital is only between 2% and 15%.
Despite that, CPR remains crucial during emergencies, including a heart attack and near-drowning. Even if you are afraid to do it because you are not sure how CPR is done, remember that trying is always better than not trying at all. The difference between your actions could be someone else’s life.
Without immediate care, a patient experiencing cardiac arrest will be in a deadly circumstance. Any elements of CPR can help the patient supply enough oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Although a trained CPR method has the highest chance of survival, it still pays to try. You should also call the emergency hotline right away in case of emergencies.
Myth Number 3: Legal Authorities Might Come After You If You Perform CPR to a Stranger
People’s hesitations about performing CPR in an emergency, especially to a stranger, may come from the fear of the laws. Let us face it; many of us are scared of getting sued in case something wrong happens while carrying out CPR to a person we do not know. But there is no lawsuit against the latter.
Myth Number 4: Carrying Out CPR to a Patient Helps Restart the Heart
The biggest misconception when it comes to performing CPR is that it can restart a victim’s heart in an asystole condition. Be mindful of this one because CPR only pushes oxygenated blood through the brain and other body parts. While CPR delays fatality, only an AED can help normalise the rhythm of the victim’s heart.
Myth Number 5: Getting CPR Training Online Works the Same as Face-to-Face
With the internet making various online learning platforms accessible and many institutions making a lot of promises, it is easy to think that learning CPR through an online program works the same as face-to-face education. However, the notion of a number of people that a CPR course can be attained through a single online class is wrong.
Even though anyone can learn the techniques and steps through a one-time online discussion, performing on a real-life emergency hits different. Virtual setups are not the best place to attend CPR training. Instead, reach out to a certified CPR instructor or qualified organisations and schedule a course.
CPR Course in Brisbane: Saving Lives and Fighting for Every Heartbeat
We should not compromise when it comes to life and death situations. Emergencies do not give second chances. Even if your friends or families are doing just fine, their lives can be in danger because accidents are inevitable. Doing something to avoid the loss of lives of your loved ones and even a mere stranger relies upon your hands.
Australian Training Institute‘s campus is located in 7/51 Brighton Rd, Sandgate QLD 4017 and is just a few minutes away from the Deagon, Brighton, Virginia, Clontarf, Brendale, Strathpine and Chermside.
Book a CPR course in Brisbane today through the Australian Training Institute. Call us on 07 3269 5005 to learn more about our CPR training.
