Why do you have to break a bone during CPR?

Answer 1

If you are keeping a person alive by administering CPR, obviously that person might die if you stop too soon in order to take a break, however, there is a way around this problem, which is to get someone to help you, so that you can each take a break while the other person takes over, until the ambulance arrives.

Answer 2

In all reality, you do not *have* to break a bone. It is something that happens often but it is not a requirement, nor should it be a goal. The key things to remember about chest compressions are that they are 'quality' compressions. Some tips to help you do that are:

- Perform chest compressions at 100 beats per minute.

- Allow for proper chest recoil between compressions. This allows the heart chambers to refill with blood before you push down again. What this means is at the end of each compressions, make sure you let the chest come all the way back to it's original shape before you press down again.

- When you push down make sure you are pushing 1"- 1 1/2" down. Less is not as effective. More can do a lot of damage and increase the chance of breaking a bone.

- Consider thinking of or humming the song "Stayin alive" while doing CPR and do compressions to the beat of the song. That song is exactly 100 beats per minute. It's not weird, it works!

People go into cardiac arrest for a reason, and their prognosis is never good. Compressions are the best thing you can do for someone who who goes into cardiac arrest. With good quality compressions- good speed, good depth, good rest time in between- you can rest assured you definitely made a difference, regardless of the outcome!