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The Disadvantages of CPR

Associations such as the American Red Cross are teaching regular people the lifesaving skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, in the event of unexpected emergencies. CPR can extend a victim's chance of survival. However, throughout this process there is much room for error, especially if the responder has not learned CPR through a certified class setting, was not taught thoroughly or was certified without proper understanding.

  1. Injury to the Ribcage

    • Compressions involve placing both hands stacked at the victim's pectoral line. When pressing with the proper force and at the proper speed, it is likely that the rescuer will break ribs in the victim's body.

    Injury to the Airway

    • When a rescuer begins performing CPR, he may notice that the breaths do not go in. It is possible that the victim was choking on a foreign object, such as a piece of hard candy, prior to losing consciousness. Chest compressions are the solution to a foreign object obstruction, and should be performed until the object emerges, is seen and removed, and the breaths given to the victim make the chest rise. If a rescuer is not checking the chest thoroughly as he breathes, he may not notice that the breaths are being blocked by a foreign object lodged in the throat. If the rescuer continues to breathe and compress without noticing the object, he may damage the airway by moving the object back and forth through the esophagus.

    Infectious Disease

    • Blood, vomit, and saliva are all likely to emerge from the victim's mouth during CPR. Rescuers may find themselves in a situation where they are not carrying appropriate gloves or a face mask, or the face mask becomes soiled by the victim's bodily fluids. There are no known cases of infectious diseases being transmitted during CPR, but rescuers should be cautious when responding to victims who are complete strangers with unknown medical histories.

    Fatigue

    • CPR is physically demanding of the rescuer, and it is possible that he will become fatigued before EMS personnel arrive to take over. CPR extends the victim's chances of survival but must be performed immediately and continued until an automatic external defibrillator is ready to use to be truly effective.

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