A bystander’s CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. In Canada alone, there are 35,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that we see in a single year. That is 1 every 15 minutes. So, knowing how to perform CPR can save lives. But, even with training, one of the most common queries is: Can CPR break ribs? Yes, it can, even when you have performed it on someone correctly. But that doesn’t mean you should stop doing that. Read why.
What is CPR?Â
CPR is an emergency procedure that is performed when a person’s heart or breathing stops. The purpose of CPR is to work like an artificial heartbeat.
When the one performing the CPR compresses the patient’s chest, blood starts to flow to the brain and other organs. This also buys time until medical help arrives, which is why it is very important.
CRP has two main functions:
- Chest Compressions: A sequence of compressions on the chest that is usually at a rate of 100 or 120 per minute. This fast and deep pressure encourages blood to circulate manually.
- Rescue Breaths: Another way is to breathe into the person’s mouth, followed by fast compressions on the chest.
Why Do Ribs Break During CPR?
If there is any sign that some part of the rib cage is broken during CPR, don’t worry. It happens due to the anatomy of the body and due to physics. It is not a sign that you failed.
Remember, CPR is only effective when the compressions are deep. The depth should be 5 to 6 cm, which, in inches, is 2 to 2.4. To get to this depth, you need a good amount of force on the chest.
Let’s explain this in detail:
Anatomy and Force
The breastbone and the ribcage shield the heart. When you manually push into the chest with great force, the structure gets compressed too. The force is often higher than what the bones can withstand.
Repeated Stress
A force applied to your chest at 100 to 120 per minute is massive, right? This repetitive pressure may fracture ribs and breastbones.
Age and Bone Health
If the patient receiving CPR is older or has conditions such as osteoporosis, they could possibly suffer an injury. Their bones become brittle, and the cartilage becomes less flexible.
Improper Technique
Last, but not least. If someone places their hand incorrectly, such as too sideways or too low, the risk of breaking ribs is higher. The force will then be concentrated on the weaker sides of the ribs. Thus, it is important to get hands-on professional training.
The Most Common CPR-Related Chest Injuries
Injuries from CPR are not life-threatening. Heard a “crack” or “pop” when performing CPR? It’s one of the many common CPR-related injuries:
- Costochondral Separation: This is the most frequent injury. It happens when a rib separates from the flexible cartilage that connects it to the sternum.
- Anterior Rib Fractures: These are fractures that occur along the front portion of the ribs. This mostly affects the 2nd through 7th ribs.
- Sternal Fractures: This is a crack or break in the sternum itself. Sternal injuries are caused by the direct pressure of deep compressions.
What to Do If You Think a Rib Has Broken During CPR
Hearing a cracking sound while performing compressions can be unnerving. Your response needs to be immediate and decisive.
DO NOT STOP CPR
This is the single most important rule. A broken rib will not kill the person, but a lack of oxygen to the brain will. Your compressions are their only chance of survival. So, don’t stop.
Quickly Adjust Your Hand Placement
Take a split second to check your hand placement. Do it as quickly as possible if you need to adjust it. Do not waste time trying to assess the injury.
Trust the Process and Keep Going
A crack or pop is a normal part of your live saving skill. Stay as calm as you can, and continue pushing hard and fast.
Let Medical Professionals Handle It
Once paramedics arrive and take over, they will assess and treat any injuries sustained during CPR. Your job is to be the bridge and buy as much time as you can.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, can CPR really break ribs? It’s actually quite common to experience minor injuries during CPR. The deep compressions exert a lot of force. This fear of causing a slight injury should never outweigh the opportunity to save a life. The most you can do is take up and train with professional CPR and First Aid courses.
