Busting The Myths Surrounding CPR By CPR Memphis Instructors

There are myths surrounding everything, people are so much misinformed these days about so many things, CPR is one among those. There are many misconceptions about this lifesaving skill, which holds many people back from obtaining CPR certification. CPR training, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an essential lifesaving skill for parents, carers, and a requirement for many jobs, and many high-paying ones at that. Still some or the other misconception about this lifesaving procedure comes in the way of obtaining training.

CPR is a lifesaving procedure that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth). Properly administering the procedure can revive the life of a cardiac arrest victim. Even after holding so much importance, CPR training doesn’t find that many takers. This is due to the various myths surrounding the technique, which this blog aims to highlight and bust. Learn more:

Myth: There is no running away from performing mouth-to-mouth on a stranger.

Of course, one is more likely to perform CPR on someone they know versus a stranger, especially when mouth-to-mouth is involved. Approximately 90 percent of cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital, meaning occurs in the house, playground, schools, etc. One may not be as much comfortable giving mouth-to-mouth to a stranger. But according to studies, performing chest compressions alone can be enough and just as effective as chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth, provided you administer the chest compressions properly. This of course is not a problem if you undergo training at an accredited training site.

Hands-Only CPR is as effective in increasing survival chances of a cardiac arrest victim. Having said that, the importance of mouth-to-mouth resuscitations cannot be emphasized enough in cases of the victim being a child, or if the rescue is due to a drowning accident.

At CPR Memphis in Tennessee, you’ll practice administering mouth-to-mouth on a mannequin using barriers (pocket masks) to practice safe and effective delivery of rescue breaths under the tutelage of our AHA certified CPR instructors.

 Myth: CPR is difficult to learn.

This is the biggest myth ever!

CPR is a lifesaving skill worth having, and can easily be mastered with hands-on training and practice. The steps are simple and easy-to-grasp. That doesn’t mean you can learn the procedure by watching a video. It’s only proper guidance that can empower you to administer the technique properly in an out-of-hospital emergency.  In a certified training site, you’ll learn exactly where to press and at what depth to provide effective chest compressions using a life-like mannequin. 

Myth: Administering CPR won’t make a difference.

This is another common misconception prevalent among people.

Timely and accurately performing the CPR procedure can make ALL the difference between life and death of the victim on your hand. A sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening cardiac emergency during which the heart stops. Administering CPR can restore life of the victim by pumping blood to the brain in an unresponsive victim and stabilizing his condition until the arrival of emergency medical services. Performing CPR can double or triple a victim’s chances of survival.

Also, do not worry about hurting or harming the victim by performing CPR. CPR is designed for someone who isn’t breathing and doesn’t have a heartbeat meaning they are already at their worst, and you cannot make their condition worse. It’s best to do something (take action) than nothing (stand as a mute spectator).

To sign up for a CPR class, contact CPR Memphis at 901-438-4200 today!