5 Myths About CPR Training

Written By Isabella Warren
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CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a procedure often shown and sensationalized in the media. This emergency procedure is performed on a person who has no pulse or is not breathing as a result of cardiac arrest. This maneuver uses chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing, to keep oxygen-rich blood circulating in the body until the heart resumes pumping. According to 2014 data, nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered. The majority of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) occurs at public settings (18.8 percent), mostly homes/residences (69.5%) and nursing homes (11.7%). A cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, so training and correct knowledge is imperative. 

Myth #1: Bystanders can be sued for performing CPR if they hurt the victim.

Fact: Good Samaritan laws or similar protections are in place to support people who provide emergency medical assistance. If you accidentally hurt someone while performing CPR, legal fault is not an issue. So after completing CPR training, don’t be timid to use your skills in an emergency!

Myth #2: Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is mandatory.

Fact: This isn’t true. Rescue breaths should be given with a barrier device, but if one is not available, chest compressions alone can and should be performed. CPR that solely involves chest compressions can be just as effective as standard CPR. In fact, the American Heart Association has recommended chest-compression-only CPR for adults since 2008.

Myth #3: People can die if CPR is delivered incorrectly.

When a person is at the point of needing CPR, technically they are already dead.In the event of a cardiac arrest, it is better to attempt CPR than nothing at all, even if it isn’t perfect. The only thing CPR can do is help.

Myth #4: CPR is only a matter of life-or-death.

Fact:  Trained CPR can save more than a life. During a cardiac arrest, victims have minimal supply of oxygenated blood traveling to the brain, which could cause rapid brain cell death and irreversible neurological damage. Cardiac arrest survivors with brain damage can suffer devastating injuries that leave them speechless or immobilized. In addition to saving lives, CPR can reduce the risk of neurologic injury or minimize its extent, according to U.S News.

Myth #5: Coughing can stop cardiac arrest 

Fact: False information on social media and the internet that a person who is alone can avoid a cardiac arrest by coughing is misleading and a lie. If you go into cardiac arrest there is no way to stop your own cardiac arrest. Bystander CPR is always necessary. 

Isabella Warren
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