Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most important skills anyone can learn. But even people who have completed a CPR course can make mistakes in a real emergency. The stress of the moment, the gap between training and a real event, and common misconceptions can all lead to errors.
1. Compressions That Are Too Shallow
The AHA guidelines call for compressions at least 2 inches deep for adults. Many rescuers, especially those performing CPR for the first time in a real emergency, don't push hard enough. The ribs need to compress to generate sufficient blood flow to the brain and heart. Don't be afraid to push hard — broken ribs can heal, but a brain starved of oxygen cannot.
2. Compressing Too Slowly
The recommended rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A helpful trick is to compress to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. Too slow, and you're not generating enough cardiac output to maintain perfusion.
3. Not Allowing Full Chest Recoil
Between compressions, you must allow the chest to fully recoil. Leaning on the chest between compressions prevents the heart from refilling with blood, reducing the effectiveness of each subsequent compression by as much as 25%.
4. Interrupting Compressions Too Often
Every pause in compressions means zero blood flow. Studies show that even brief pauses (10+ seconds) significantly reduce the victim's chance of survival. Minimize interruptions — switch rescuers every 2 minutes, but do it quickly.
5. Delaying the Start of CPR
The single biggest mistake is hesitation. For every minute without CPR, a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival drops 7-10%. If someone collapses and is unresponsive with no normal breathing, start CPR immediately. Don't wait for EMS to arrive.
Keep Your Skills Current
The best way to avoid these mistakes is regular training. The AHA recommends recertification every two years, but practicing more often keeps your skills sharp. At Chicago's Pulse, our instructors — active-duty CFD Paramedics and ER Nurses — teach real-world techniques that prepare you to perform under pressure.