5 major problems with
manual CPR
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1. Unable to maintain the correct chest compression rate
Performing chest compressions at the recommended rate of 100 per minute can be near impossible for most rescuers. 1,2
2. Unable to apply the correct chest compression pressure
As a result of improper chest compressions up to 45% of patients can suffer internal injury such as: rib fractures, punctured lungs and damage to the heart, liver or spleen. 3,4,5
3. Fatigue
CPR performance can decline by as much as 80% in the first minute due to rescuer fatigue.6 In some cases CPR may be required for 15 minutes or more.
4. Skill loss
CPR skills diminish quickly. Within 6 months of training, 9 out of 10 people fail to perform safe and effective CPR.4 This indicates that even yearly CPR refresher courses may be insufficient to maintain CPR skills.
5. Fear and hesitation
Studies show that only 1 victim in 3 will receive bystander CPR because of rescuer fear and hesitation.7 Brain damage occurs only 4 minutes after a cardiac arrest therefore any delay of CPR will seriously affect patient survival. 8
Other CPR issues include:
• Incorrect hand positioning
• Insufficient ventilation
• Forgetting the correct ratio (2 breaths :30 compressions)
CPR = Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
