Does CPR Hurt? Understanding Chest Compressions and Their Impact
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Last Updated On: December 3, 2024

Does CPR Hurt? Things To Know About Chest Compressions and Pain

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can save lives during emergencies, but you must have often wondered ‘does CPR hurt?’ Most people shy away from asking, but it is important to understand, especially when learning this important skill. Chest compressions are powerful enough to keep blood flowing to vital organs. But they can cause discomfort or injury. So read the blog to know what happens during chest compressions and things you need to know to perform CPR properly

What is CPR?

CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. When you give immediate CPR, it can increase survival chances. It helps keep the blood flow active while extending the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive. 

Does CPR Hurt?

CPR is unlikely to hurt a person who is unconscious. So no you won’t get any pain from CPR. However, chest compressions can cause physical injuries such as broken ribs or bruising due to the force needed to pump blood effectively. 

Why is CPR Done?

CPR helps people without a pulse or the ability to breathe on their own. You can tell that someone needs CPR if all of the following are true.

A person of any age needs CPR if they: 

  • Collapse
  • Doesn’t respond 
  • Aren’t breathing 
  • Don’t have a pulse 

You will be shocked to know that 60% of people who have a cardiac arrest out of a hospital don’t get help right away. If you receive CPR right after you go into cardiac arrest, it increases your chances of survival.

What are Chest Compressions?

Chest compressions are an important part of CPR. It is designed to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and heart during cardiac arrest. They are life-saving but have physical consequences. The force required to perform effective chest compressions can cause broken ribs, bruising, or other injuries.

What’s the Rate of CPR Compressions?

You need to do CPR compressions 100 to 120 times per minute. It can be easier to remember the CPR compression rate if you follow the beat of the song ‘Staying Alive’ by the Bee Gees. 

How to Give Chest Compressions?

Chest compressions are an important part of CPR, and performing them correctly can increase survival chances. If you find yourself in an emergency, you must know how to give chest compressions. Here are the steps to explore:

  1. Ensure that the person is on a firm and flat surface: Before beginning the steps, ensure that you position the person on their back on a hard surface such as the floor. This provides resistance for effective compressions. So kneel beside the chest to start. 
  2. Perform the compressions: Push hard and fast. Aim for a depth of about 2 inches for adults. Allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions. Maintain a rate of 100-120 compressions
  3. Continue until help arrives: Keep performing compressions without interruption until medical professionals take over or the person shows signs of recovery. If you are trained well, then combine compressions with rescue breaths for full CPR. 

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

You should keep performing CPR until the person starts breathing or a paramedic arrives. Do not hesitate to seek help if you get tired and have a bystander with you who knows how to give compressions.

What are the Benefits of Chest Compressions?

When someone’s heart stops beating, chest compressions help blood flow to their brain. Here are the common benefits of chest compressions: 

  • Maintains blood circulation: Chest compressions create artificial blood flow by pumping the heart. This regulates oxygen to the brain and other vital organs and prevents tissue damage. The brain can suffer irreversible damage. So compressions can help give the person a chance to live. 
  • Buys time until help arrives: Professional help may not arrive for several minutes. This is when chest compressions act as a savior and keep the person’s body systems functioning. When they buy extra time, it can help them survive. As every second is important, the compressions help maximize the chance of outcome. 
  • Easy to perform with minimal training: Learning chest compressions does not need years of medical experience. Instead, simple training is enough to perform compressions. So hands-only CPR can improve survival rates even without rescue breaths. This makes chest compressions a skill that is accessible to everyone. 
  • Supports defibrillation efforts: By maintaining some circulation, they increase the likelihood that the heart will respond when an automated external defibrillator is used. When you combine compressions and early defibrillation, it can restart the heart and save a life. 

Conclusion

CPR is a lifesaving technique, and while it can cause physical injuries such as broken ribs, it is crucial to remember that the person receiving it is usually unconscious and unaware of the pain. So, does CPR hurt? CPR might cause discomfort or injury, but it is a necessary and potentially life-saving action to keep blood flowing to vital organs. With proper understanding and practice, including online CPR training, you can perform CPR carefully and effectively, ensuring you are prepared to respond confidently in emergencies. 

FAQs

Will CPR break ribs?

Yes, it is possible that CPR can break a person’s ribs. This is possible as you have to push down hard to pump blood from a person’s heart throughout their body. 

What is CPR without mouth-to-mouth?

Hands-only CPR does not involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It is a valuable form of CPR that can help a person’s blood flow effectively.

What are the CPR risks or complications?

There are certain risks because of how hard chest compressions have to be to keep blood circulating. It might break ribs and injure organs within the chest during CPR. However, it is worth the risk to save a person’s life.

When should I go to my healthcare provider?

If you see someone having a cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. After a patient survives a cardiac arrest, you need follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. The timing will vary depending on your condition. Remember to contact your provider if there is no scope of improvement. 

Also read: Recognizing the Right Moments to Perform CPR

Also read: Essential Facts About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)