The Unfortunate Complications of CPR - Beyond the Basics

Introduction:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used to restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It is a critical first aid measure that anyone can perform with or without medical training. CPR can be used in adults, children, and infants. CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, and laypeople and healthcare professionals can administer it. CPR can be effective in maintaining brain function until more advanced medical treatment can be provided, and it can greatly increase the chances of survival for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Therefore, people need to learn CPR and be prepared to use it in an emergency.

What Are the Basic Steps of CPR?

The basic steps of CPR are:

• Check for Responsiveness: Tap the person gently on the shoulder and shout, Are you okay? If there is no response, call for emergency medical assistance and start CPR.

• Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR.

• Call for Help: If the person is alone with the patient, call for emergency medical assistance before beginning CPR.

• Position the Person: Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.

• Start CPR: Place the heel of one hand on the person's breastbone, just below the nipples. Place the other hand on the first hand and interlock the fingers. Position the arms so that the shoulders are directly above the hands. Using the upper body weight (not just arms), push straight down on the breastbone with a compressions-only CPR technique until the chest compresses about two inches. Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

• Give Rescue Breaths: After 30 compressions, open the person's airway by tilting their head back with one hand and lifting their chin with the other. Pinch the person's nose shut and give two rescue breaths. Each breath should be a slow, steady puff that raises the person's chest.

• Continue CPR: After the rescue breaths, continue with compressions until help arrives or the person starts to breathe on their own.

What Are the Complications of CPR?

There are some potential complications associated with CPR that a person should be aware of:

• Rib Fractures: Compressions on the chest can cause rib fractures, which can be painful. However, the benefits of CPR outweigh the potential for rib fractures.

• Abdominal Injuries: CPR compressions can also cause internal abdominal injuries, such as liver or spleen lacerations.

• Brain Injury: If CPR is not successful in restoring circulation and breathing, the person may suffer brain injury due to lack of oxygen.

• Cardiac Arrest: CPR can cause the heart to go into cardiac arrest, a serious complication. However, this is often a temporary condition, and the heart will usually restart once CPR is stopped.

• Spinal Injury: There is a small risk of spinal injury when performing CPR, but this risk can be minimized by properly positioning the person and avoiding excessive neck movement.

• Nerve Damage: CPR compressions can potentially cause nerve damage, particularly to the ulnar nerve in the arm.

• Infection: If the person receiving CPR has an infectious disease, there is a risk of transmission to the person performing CPR through bodily fluids. When performing CPR, it is important to use personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask.

• Fatigue: Performing CPR can be physically exhausting, especially if performed for an extended period. It is important to take breaks as needed and to switch with another person if available.

• Emotional Distress: Performing CPR on a loved one can be emotionally distressing, and taking care of the own emotional well-being after the event is important.

• Legal Liability: There is a small risk of legal liability for the person performing CPR.

• Airway Damage: CPR compressions can cause damage to the airway, such as tears or lacerations.

• Pneumothorax: CPR compressions can potentially cause a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which may require treatment.

• Hematoma: CPR compressions can potentially cause a hematoma (bruising) on the chest.

• Cardiac Damage: CPR compressions can potentially cause damage to the heart, such as tearing the heart muscle.

• Hypoxia: If CPR is not performed correctly or is not performed for a long enough period, the person may suffer from hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the body). This can lead to tissue damage and organ failure.

• Chest Pain: The compressions of CPR can cause chest pain in the person receiving CPR.

• Vomiting: CPR can cause the person to vomit, obstructing their airway.

• Aspiration: If the person vomits during CPR, there is a risk of aspiration (inhaling vomit into the lungs).

• Hypothermia: If CPR is performed for an extended period, the person may become hypothermic (low body temperature).

• Metabolic Acidosis: CPR can cause metabolic acidosis (a buildup of acid in the body), leading to organ damage.

• Bleeding: CPR compressions can cause bleeding, either externally or internally.

• Excessive Swelling: CPR compressions can cause excessive swelling in the chest.

• Allergic Reactions: If the person receiving CPR is allergic to any medications or medical equipment used during CPR, they may experience an allergic reaction.

• Anaphylaxis: If the person receiving CPR has a severe allergy, they may experience anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Performing CPR on a loved one or witnessing someone else perform CPR can be a traumatic experience, and it is possible for the person performing CPR or those present to develop PTSD.

Conclusion:

It is important to continue CPR until emergency medical assistance arrives or the person starts to breathe independently. The chances of survival decrease significantly if CPR is not started immediately. Remember, anyone can learn CPR, which can be the difference between life and death. Therefore, it is important to familiarize oneself with the steps of CPR and to stay current with any updates to the guidelines. Despite these potential complications, CPR is a critical first aid measure that can save lives. The benefits of CPR far outweigh the potential risks, and it is important to have a full understanding of CPR.