List of 5 New CPR Myths vs Facts

Before deciphering and decoding bystander CPR facts and myths, it’s best to know a little history of CPR. That way, you will understand the importance and emergence of CPR to save lives and improve the survival rate of patients at every chance. The concept of CPR has been around since the 1960s. Yet, many people, including lay responders, misunderstand it and fail to become CPR-certified. The right understanding of CPR, including the differences between heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest situations, help bystanders save more lives than ever before. There would be fewer errors or fatalities on the scene of a medical emergency as they learn online CPR courses easily, cost-effectively, and at their pace. The first responder can help the victim breathe normally again on time, and prevent the severe side effects of the heart attack from prolonging the recovery of the patient. 

For healthcare providers, knowing what CPR is and how to perform it with accurate chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is more critical. They mustn’t misinterpret CPR steps; otherwise, that could lead to further damage to a victim’s life. For example, missing the right pressure on the chest to regularize the heartbeat can be fatal. And healthcare responders can end up losing their licenses for such mistakes. 

Hence, understand the clear difference between CPR myths and the facts below. Plus, it’s a bonus if you become CPR-certified by American HealthCare Academy (AHCA). All our certification courses, including CPR, follow AHA guidelines. The curriculum is updated and designed by OSHA-certified trainers themselves. Let’s further know the importance of CPR before examining the CPR stats, myths, and facts. 

Why Is CPR Important And Why Should You Get CPR Certified?

Life-threatening emergencies or any heart attack casualty can occur without warning or prior notice most often. In such cases, we cannot always wait for medical help to arrive first; otherwise, the nonserious attitude can further harm the patient and cost them their life. We must take charge as lay responders and save lives, especially when someone is having a cardiac arrest. It can only be possible when someone knows how to perform CPR with proper training. But there are more reasons to learn CPR whenever you can. Read them below.

15 Reasons To Learn Bystander CPR

1. Anyone can be CPR certified
2. Don’t be a bystander anymore
3. CPR training helps prevent panic
4. CPR multiples the effect of an AED
5. CPR saves a cardiac arrest patient’s life
6. Earn CE credit hours with CPR training
7. CPR training improves your self-worth
8. CPR could be the skill for your next job
9. You can learn CPR from AHCA at your pace
10. CPR helps prevent the brain death of the victim
11. You can perform CPR on anyone to save lives
12. Learn CPR to save someone you know or love
13. Have the confidence to save lives in case of medical emergencies
14. Improve the chances of survival in sudden cardiac arrest cases
15. CPR training teaches you how to perform chest compressions without complications

CPR Facts And Stats

Know about the important CPR facts and stats below. It will teach you the importance of performing CPR at the right time and situation to save lives. Some important CPR facts and stats are:

1. About 383,000 sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) happen out of the hospital annually. 88% of them happen at home. 
2. The chances of sudden cardiac arrest increase when the heart’s electrical impulses turn rapid or chaotic. 
3. 4/5 cardiac arrests often occur at home or similar places. 
4. African Americans are twice more likely to receive cardiac arrest at home than Caucasians. 
5. Effective CPR improves SCA patients’ chances of survival by two to four times if performed on time. 
6. The American Heart Association trains about 12 million people annually for CPR. 
7. First responders increase the survival rate of SCA patients up to 100,000-200,000 adults and children every year if they perform CPR on time. 
8. Performing CPR within 0-4 minutes means there wouldn’t be any brain damage by that time. Performing CPR within 4-6 minutes can increase the chances or likelihood of brain damage for the SCA patient. 

5 CPR Myths Vs. Facts

Understanding the truth between CPR facts and myths helps you care more for patients. Healthcare providers are of more use to patients having a sudden cardiac arrest in hospital settings with the right CPR knowledge. So, the 5 CPR myths vs. facts to read are:

Myth 1: Low-quality CPR harms the SCA patient

Fact: When a patient is having a sudden cardiac arrest, they are already in a serious medical situation. Without immediate medical help, it’s impossible to save them. Any number of chest compressions with slight changes in the pressure can help save their life. The AHA-compliant CPR is the best; no doubt about that. 

Myth 2: You will be sued for performing CPR as a bystander

Fact: Most American states have the Good Samaritan law, which protects the bystander from legal repercussions. But abandoning a patient might put the bystander in trouble. 

Myth 3: CPR is incomplete or ineffective without rescue breaths

Fact: Current AHA-compliant CPR guide emphasizes chest compressions to save lives. Mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths are best when you have a mask. 

Myth 4: CPR will restart the patient’s heart

Fact: Performing CPR does not ensure that the patient’s heartbeat will recover. It is performed to keep the oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart. It helps in preventing brain death when given within 0-4 minutes of the SCA. But an AED helps shock the heart and jumpstart the erratic or dead rhythm.

Myth 5: CPR works every time

Fact: CPR in hospitals can be more effective under the supervision of medical staff. Out-of-hospital CPR is 2-15% effective. The best way to improve these chances is to get CPR certified from a reputed academy like AHCA.

Conclusion:

There were many CPR myths and facts in this blog post. The motive was to educate the lay responder about the importance and impact of performing the right CPR when someone is having a heart attack in front of them. We hope your knowledge of CPR facts and myths is more research-based now. If you wish to save someone you love whenever you are in such a situation, we recommend taking our free online CPR course. Learn it at your pace after registering. Pay only for the mailed-in and printable CPR certification after clearing the exam. OSHA-certified trainers have designed our comprehensive CPR course.