CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a life-saving technique that restores the oxygen and blood circulation through the body of someone whose breathing has been compromised. As CPR is an invasive process, there are some risk factors associated with its administration. Even though the chances of risk may be minimal, they are there and therefore must not be taken lightly. CPR saves lives and chances of minor complications must not stop you from performing CPR on a victim who needs it.

Here are the top five complications of CPR.

– Broken Ribs: The complication that is most common is rib fracture. CPR involves the administration of chest compressions with considerable amounts of pressure. This pressure, given quickly and strongly, can lead to fractures of the ribs. High risk victims are small children, older people and thin people. Sometimes you can also see cases of sternum or chest bone fractures, as these bones may get broken while applying pressure.

– Internal wounds: Under the rib cage, there are vital organs present. This area is vulnerable to injury during the application of pressure while performing chest compressions. As ribs and bones can fracture, small fragments of them may puncture the lungs or liver causing internal wounds. Internal injury of the heart can also occur in some cases.

– Vomiting leading to aspiration: When chest compressions are given, there is a steady increase of pressure in the body. This can result in the contents inside the stomach to surface up and cause vomiting. This causes the risk of the vomit going into the lungs, i.e. aspiration, which is a very serious complication. Aspiration blocks the air supply to the victim’s lungs and can lead to pneumonia or even permanent damage of the lung tissue.

– Exposure to body fluids: In emergencies, CPR may be administered without donning a mask. This can cause transfer of saliva from you to the victim. This is very dangerous. The victim may cough up vomit and blood which may also pass into your body if you are not wearing a mask. This increases the risk of acquiring an infectious disease like AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) or Hepatitis. It is always recommended to use a barrier mask while administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during CPR for the protection of your health.

– Gastric Distension: When mouth-to-mouth breaths are given into the victim’s mouth, air is breathed into his lungs. If the breath of air is very powerful it may cause accumulation of lots of air in the stomach. This is known as gastric distension. As this condition occurs, the stomach becomes swollen and puts extra pressure on the lungs. CPR will fail if gastric distension builds up in the victim’s stomach because lesser amount of oxygen is being pushed into the lungs. Consequently, vomiting and aspiration are possible complications again. If proper care is taken while providing mouth-to-mouth breathing, gastric distension can be prevented.

These complications of CPR may occur rarely, nevertheless they are dangerous. All these complications can be avoided if a little care is taken while administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions. In spite of the risks associated with it, CPR has saved so many lives and you should definitely learn it.

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Category: Medicines and Remedies
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