Some Myths About CPR

Fact Checked

Talk about CPR and you remember those movie scenes where one person is trying to save another one’s life and usually they succeed. Anyways, CPR is not something new but as with anything there are some myths surrounding CPR and this article will clear those myths.

CPR works all the time

So as stated earlier, many people are of view that CPR has to work because it works every time. However, that seems to be true only in movies as well as TV shows because reality differs than fiction, like always. For out-of-hospital cardiac arrest actual success rates in only 5%-10% whereas if AED is available then the success rate or chances may increase. It is acknowledged that if your heart stops and no-one performs a CPR as soon as possible then you won’t survive.

CPR can get you Sued!

Thanks to the Good Samaritan Law that now if while saving someone you cause an injury (accidentally, of course) then you won’t be sued. So don’t worry and serve humanity as you should. You can only get sued if your deliberately show carelessness which results in damage/further injury to the victim.

I don’t have to perform a CPR

You are right, if only there’s no need. But there are always high chances that someone might be suffering from choking which is quite common and you’ll have to save that person’s life which can be done only if you know you howto perform a CPR. Therefore, it is advisable to take some basic classes and get some training.

Only Adults need CPR

So that means infants and children don’t choke? Well, they do as well. CPR is not for adults only and there are separate courses for performing safe and proper CPR to infants and children. Although cardiac arrest is not common in children but choking is as they put everything they find in their mouths, especially parents and babysitters should know how to perform CPR.

Learning CPR can be expensive and time consuming

Many people think that CPR classes and courses are quite expensive due to which they don’t enroll in these classes or delay them. Moreover, they think learning CPR will take a longtime and it won’t go with their busy schedule. However, in both the cases the myth is not true! Depending upon training provider classes can take 2-6 hours and cost around 20-40 dollars.

I already know about CPR

According to American Heart Association, the retention rate of CPR trainings is not high and most of the people tend to forget the techniques after 3-6 months of completing their training. Therefore, it is recommended to get a refresher course or training after a year (at least) so you actually know what you’re doing and completely updated with latest CPR procedures. Moreover, the overall guidelines also change after every 2 years according to AHA. Therefore getting your certifications renewed after 2 years might not be a bad idea.

These are some of the common myths about CPR, hope this article clarified them.

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