It can be incredibly stressful when a friend, co-worker, or even a family member goes through a heart attack or cardiac arrest medical emergency situation. This medical condition causes problems in the patient’s cardiovascular system and halts the process of pumping blood to the core parts of the body. The longer a person is in sudden cardiac arrest, the more their brain is deprived of the required amount of oxygen. It can lead to dire medical consequences. That’s when having a clear understanding of the accurate rate and depth of chest compressions per minute is most important for trainees in CPR courses. Lay responders can then easily provide updated compressions only CPR to such patients at the scene of medical emergencies.
Luckily, more people are now preparing themselves to help such patients by seeking hands-only CPR AED certification online. Whether you’re certified in first aid, compression-only CPR, or are a newly qualified first responder, it is vital that you understand the right depth of chest compressions per minute.
The Process of CPR on the Human Heart
Those well acquainted with the process of compression-only CPR and emergency cardiovascular care know that the first responder should position the heel of the hand at the center of the victim’s chest. The fingers are interlaced, keeping the arms long and straight. Now the responder pushes hard and fast to perform chest compressions not much greater than 2.4 inches or between 2-2.4 inches exact. This brings us to the next important point of the hands-only CPR technique. This process helps restore the oxygen-rich blood flow in the body, including the heart and the brain. Doing this procedure on time on an adult patient can protect them from a brain death or damage situation.
What is Deemed the Perfect Depth for Chest Compressions?
A safe measure for the accurate chest compression depth in inches is about 2 – 2.4 inches for adults. It means there should be a 30:2 compression-to-rescue breath ratio to open the airway for the patient accurately and on time. Pushing harder or greater than 2.4 inches could cause severe harm to the patient. That being said, should you conduct very shallow compressions, they may not be sufficient to pump blood and regulate blood flow in the victim’s body. So, ensure to keep up with the right rate and depth for chest compressions to be effective in making the patient’s chest rise as normally as possible.
Ways to Ensure You Push to the Correct Depth Each Time
An excessively strong push could lead to broken ribs. This is precisely why you must ensure you push to the right depth each time. Medical professionals recommend practicing hands only CPR in order to achieve such depth. If you do not have access to a healthcare facility that allows you to practice, you may want to take CPR AED certification online or a local course in CPR to learn the right way through demonstrations.
Another way to ensure perfect CPR delivery each time is to switch to another resuscitator or first responder at periodic intervals of two minutes. This is an excellent way to avert fatigue.
The Ideal Speed or Rate of Compressions
Authorities confirm that the CPR guidelines advise a speed of 100 – 120 compressions every 60 seconds. You could have a bystander time you with a stopwatch to maintain accuracy or even use some music to keep the right CPR rhythm!
Conclusion
If you are looking to get your CPR Certification or Recertification online, check out American CPR Care Association. To learn more, visit our website or contact us.
