Some people might feel a little bit nervous about performing CPR on a stranger. Worrying about the “what ifs” will not help a victim of cardiac arrest, though. Starting CPR as soon as you see someone go down and notice that they are not breathing is the best way to try to bring them back! Listed below are some common myths:
#1: CPR can hurt the recipient
If someone does not have a pulse and are receiving CPR, they are technically dead. They won’t be feeling the chest compressions, so if they are revived, they may have a soreness in their chest or bruising, but they’ll be alive.
#2: You will get sued for performing CPR
Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect bystanders when they attempt CPR. This prevents most possible legal repercussions.
#3: You must give mouth-to-mouth
The most important part is keeping blood circulating through the body (AKA the chest compressions). Expecting you to put your mouth on a stranger, especially since 2020 is a little crazy.
#4. CPR restarts the heart
CPR just keeps the blood moving through the body, but the AED can shock the heart into a normal rhythm.
#5: CPR always works
Sometimes, you just can’t bring someone back even with CPR and early defibrillation. Depending on why their body shut down, they may have needed further medical interventions. Click here to see some of the reasons that people go into cardiac arrest.
If you think you might like to learn CPR, click here to sign up for a class! Being prepared to possibly save a loved one in a time of need can be the difference between life and death! Children as young as can also learn the basics of CPR and help build the foundations for future knowledge!
