Last Updated On: October 29, 2024
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an important life-saving technique. Every time someone starts CPR quickly, it improves the person’s chance of survival. However, there may be certain instances when CPR might not work.
Studies show that the success rate of CPR performed outside hospitals can be low, and only about 8% – 10% of people actually survive. These CPR success rates vary with factors such as the person’s age, underlying health conditions, and how quickly CPR was started. So, what happens if your CPR attempt fails and the person dies?
In this blog, we will explain what happens during unsuccessful CPR, from the medical procedures that follow to the emotional impact on families and rescuers.
CPR is often portrayed in movies and TV shows as a surefire way to revive someone in cardiac arrest. However, real-life success rates paint a different picture. Studies show that the overall survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is about 10% to 20%. Even when CPR is performed correctly, success is not guaranteed. Several factors can influence the outcome of CPR:
While these factors can improve the odds, it’s important to accept that not every CPR attempt will be successful.
The emotional toll of performing CPR and witnessing an unsuccessful outcome can be profound. For many people, the experience of trying to save a life, only to lose that person, can lead to feelings of guilt, helplessness, and sorrow. It’s common to wonder if you could have done something differently or feel responsible for the outcome.
Many people feel guilty if their CPR attempt is unsuccessful. Bystanders may question their own abilities or feel that they didn’t perform CPR properly, even when they did everything correctly.
The emotional burden can be even greater if the person who died was someone you knew, a friend, a family member, or even a colleague. Grief in these situations can be intense, and it’s important to acknowledge these feelings.
Despite best efforts, the reality is that not all lives can be saved. This feeling of helplessness can linger, especially for those who are not accustomed to high-stress medical situations. Some people may even develop anxiety about future emergencies. They may fear being in a similar situation again.
In severe cases, unsuccessful CPR can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotional distress. The emotional impact can also extend to professional first responders like paramedics, who may experience “compassion fatigue” after dealing with multiple failed CPR attempts.
To cope with these feelings, it is helpful to talk to a counselor or support group. Sharing your experience can help ease the emotional burden. Practicing self-care, such as exercising and maintaining a healthy routine, can also be helpful.
One of the biggest concerns for people performing CPR is the potential legal implications if the attempt is unsuccessful. Fortunately, many countries and states have Good Samaritan laws that protect bystanders who act in good faith to help someone in need. These legal aspects of CPR encourage bystanders to assist without fear of legal consequences.
Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect individuals who provide assistance during an emergency. They prevent someone from being sued for unintentional harm caused while giving CPR or other aid. These laws typically apply when:
As long as you perform CPR according to your level of training and act in good faith, Good Samaritan laws will generally protect you from legal action. However, performing CPR recklessly or with gross negligence can void this protection. In addition, Good Samaritan protection does not apply if a person acts irresponsibly or intentionally harms someone. For example, if a person does not follow proper CPR procedures and causes injury, they may not be protected by these laws.
The odds of your CPR efforts become much more effective when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The use of AED as soon as possible greatly increases the victim’s chances of regaining consciousness and making it to a medical facility so that life-saving procedures can continue.
The sooner chest compressions and rescue breaths begin, the better the victim’s chances for survival. When dealing with an adult, should for someone to get an AED immediately and then begin CPR. When dealing with a child (aged 1-8), make sure to start compressions immediately, before you even designate someone to retrieve an AED.
Again, the chances of the victim surviving are much higher if you contact emergency services immediately. As soon as you begin administering CPR procedures, be sure to designate someone to call 911 (along with telling them to retrieve an AED). If there is no one around to call 911, be sure to do so yourself. Do not leave the victim, but rather carefully take them to the area where a phone is located (being sure to support their head in case of spinal injury) and call 911 while administering your CPR procedures. The emergency professionals on the line can aid in keeping you calm and focused and assist with your technique while you’re waiting for help to arrive.
Only about 46% of Americans who succumb to heart attacks and related conditions each year receive any type of immediate CPR care. No matter your level of training or comfort, if you see someone experiencing life-threatening cardiac arrest, you should absolutely intervene. However, because CPR needs to be administered properly to have the highest chance of success, it is extremely important that all individuals take a CPR certification course in order to ensure that they’re prepared when the unexpected happens.
If you are a bystander who performed CPR, you might feel shaken afterward. It’s important to know that there are ways to cope with the emotions that follow an unsuccessful CPR attempt. Below mentioned are some of the ways that can help you cope with the incident:
For first responders, such as paramedics and emergency medical personnel, dealing with unsuccessful CPR attempts is often part of their job. But this does not mean they are immune to the emotional impact.
First responders may use peer support programs, professional counseling, and stress management techniques to help them cope with the emotional toll. After a failed CPR attempt, several steps can help you handle the situation:
Failed CPR attempts can leave lasting emotional scars, particularly if you feel responsible. Seeking counseling or talking to a mental health professional can help you process your feelings and understand that your efforts were meaningful, regardless of the outcome.
If you notice signs of severe stress, anxiety, or depression after a failed CPR attempt, professional help is strongly recommended.
Even when CPR does not result in saving a life, it is still a critical skill that gives people a chance to survive. Understanding the realities of CPR and its limitations can help reduce the emotional burden when it doesn’t work. The emotional support after CPR, legal, and mental health impacts of an unsuccessful CPR attempt can be challenging, but coping mechanisms and support are available.
While CPR success rates may not be as high as we would hope, every attempt made is a step toward saving a life. Knowing that you tried your best in a difficult situation is something you can hold on to, even if the outcome wasn’t what you had hoped for.
Despite the challenges and emotional toll, continuing to help others by learning CPR and stepping in during emergencies is a vital part of supporting your community and contributing to saving lives, even when things don’t go as planned.
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