31
May, 2021
Broken Ribs during CPR

Broken Ribs During CPR

Broken Ribs during CPR

Broken Ribs During CPR – Being CPR Certified is different to actually apply in real life situation. One of the biggest concerns in performing CPR for the first time  is whether or not you will accidentally break a patient ribs or other bones. Applying pressure to the rib area while performing the necessary chest compressions can can cause injuries. Because of this risk, many students learning CPR hesitate to apply their CPR Skills.

In order for CPR to be effective (in adult patients), chest compressions need to be performed at a depth of approximately 2 inches (5.08 cm) in depth. Shallow compressions will not sufficiently circulate the blood around the body. Compressing the human chest by that much, requires a significant amount of force. Giving this amount of force, we can easily understand how and why ribs may break in the process of performing CPR. Approximately 30% of patients receiving CPR suffer rib fractures or bone breaks. Those numbers may actually be higher.

The study analyzed autopsy data from more than 2,000 patients who had received CPR for cardiac

  • 86% of men and 91% of women presented with skeletal chest injuries
  • 59% of those men and 79% of those women had fractures of the sternum
  • 77% of those men and 85% of those women had fractures of the ribs
  • 33% of those men and 12% of those women had sternocostal separation

As you can see, a significant portion of patients had suffered from some type of Broken Ribs During CPR or fracture.

When you perform resuscitation on a patient, high chances of injury may occur.

Who is most at risk of breaking the ribs during CPR?

Base on the data provided from the above referenced study shows that women are more likely than men to experience injuries or Broken Ribs During CPR.

The study also found that older patients tend to be more at risk of CPR-related injury than those who are younger.

Also, the presence of certain existing health conditions, such as osteoporosis, which causes a weakening of the bones, can also increase the risk of skeletal injury.

Patients who are physically large, particularly those who are fat are much less likely to suffer broken bones due to CPR than those with smaller frames.

Another study performed in Korea revealed that patients receiving CPR from a bystander are more likely to suffer chest injuries than individuals who receive CPR from a trained professional, such as a doctor or a paramedic.

So, the good news is, if you are properly educated on how to correctly deliver effective chest compressions, your risk of injuring someone in the process may be lower.

Risk of injury also goes up based on the size and strength of the individual performing CPR as well.

Generally speaking, men tend to cause more rib fractures and breaks due to the fact that they tend to have more upper body strength than women. Of course, this is not always the caseb

What should you do if you hear (or feel) a bone crack during CPR?

In the event that a person on whom you are performing CPR  experience a broken or fractured bone, you may hear a cracking sound.

At the very least, you’ll probably feel something crack or give way under your hands.

This is not always indicate of an actual bone break.

The initial sound or feeling of cracking can often be attributed to the cartilage in the ribs or sternum breaking, as opposed to the ribs themselves.

it is not advisable to stop performing CPR even if you hear a cracking sound or think you feel a rib break.

It is true that broken bones can be painful and may extend a person’s recovery time, stopping resuscitation efforts could result death into patient.

A patient who survived as a result of CPR would be happy even the patient suffer a broken bone. Thanks to the resuscitator’s quick response.

Don’t be afraid to perform CPR

You should never should never be afraid of breaking someone’s ribs or causing other injuries during the life-saving efforts.

Broken bones and injuries heal, but death is forever.

Most states have laws that protect people who deliver CPR in good faith.

That means even in the unlikely event that someone were to try and sue, you would be protected.

The fact is, CPR is a vigorous and sometimes brutal procedure.

There will always be a risk that the person who receive CPR become injured during the process.

However, if the person you assist is lucky enough to survive, you can expect a heartfelt thank you for the broken ribs.

21
May, 2021
heart attack cardiac arrest

Heart Attack Cardiac Arrest What are the Difference?

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. The longer a person goes without treatment, the greater the damage.

Symptoms of a heart attack may be immediate and intense. More often, though, symptoms start slowly and persist for hours, days or weeks before a heart attack. Unlike with sudden cardiac arrest, the heart usually does not stop beating during a heart attack. The heart attack symptoms in women can be different than men.

heart attack cardiac arrest

What to do: Heart Attack

Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, call 911 or your emergency response number. Every minute matters! It’s best to call EMS to get to the emergency room right away. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

What is cardiac arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often without warning. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment. 

What to do: Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is reversible in most victims if it’s treated within a few minutes. First, call 911 for emergency medical services. Then get an automated external defibrillator if one is available and use it as soon as it arrives. Begin CPR immediately and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive. If two people are available to help, one should begin CPR immediately while the other calls 911 and finds an AED.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death – over 320,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States. By performing Hands-Only CPR to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive,” you can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.

What is the link?

These two distinct heart conditions are linked. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack, or during recovery.  Heart attacks increase the risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Most heart attacks do not lead to sudden cardiac arrest. But when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, heart attack is a common cause. Other heart conditions may also disrupt the heart’s rhythm and lead to sudden cardiac arrest. These include a thickened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), heart failure, arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation, and long Q-T syndrome.

Fast action can save lives. Perform Hands only CPR if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Overview

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number 1 cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.8 million lives each year 31% globally. 75% of CVDs death occur in low and middle income countries. 85% of all CVDs are due to heart attack and strokes. 

CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. Four out of 5CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.

Individuals at risk of CVD may demonstrate raised blood pressure, glucose, and lipids as well as overweight and obesity. These can all be easily measured in primary care facilities. Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths. Access to essential noncommunicable disease medicines and basic health technologies in all primary health care facilities is essential to ensure that those in need receive treatment and counselling.

Symptoms

Millions of people worldwide struggle to control the risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease, many others remain unaware that they are at high risk. A large number of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by controlling major risk factors through lifestyle interventions and drug treatment where necessary.

The risk factors for CVD include behavioural factors, such as tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol and inadequate physical activity, and physiological factors, including high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood cholesterol and high blood sugar or glucose which are linked to underlying social determinants and drivers, such as ageing, income and urbanization.