TL;DR: Despite the fear of causing harm, performing CPR is crucial during sudden cardiac arrest. While broken ribs are a valid concern, the priority is to continue CPR to maintain blood flow. Factors like age, gender, health conditions, and technique affect the risk of rib fractures. If ribs break during CPR, adjust hand placement but keep compressions steady. Proper training and recertification help minimize risks and improve effectiveness. Remember, the goal is to save lives, so enroll in CPR classes and be prepared to act in emergencies.
Cardiac arrest strikes around 356,000 people in the US every year. It often happens without warning and mostly in public spaces. Despite this, only about 40.2% of those experiencing such emergencies receive immediate CPR from bystanders. The reluctance to step in largely stems from a lack of knowledge of performing CPR and a deep-seated fear of causing more harm than good.
Among the concerns, the fear of breaking someone’s ribs while administering chest compressions tops the list. Breaking ribs is a valid worry, given the physical force required during the procedure. However, it’s crucial to understand the reality of such situations, including why ribs might break and how to handle it if it happens. You also must know what steps you can take to minimize the risk without compromising the effectiveness of CPR.
In this article, we’ll answer the question, “What if ribs break during CPR?” while also sharing what you should do if this happens. We’ll address what can cause this and why it’s always better to perform CPR than not do anything.
Why Do Ribs Break During CPR
When performing CPR, the goal is to mimic the heart’s pumping action to keep blood flowing to vital organs. That requires applying significant pressure to the chest, specifically on the sternum or breastbone, to compress the heart between the sternum and the spine. Given the urgency to restore blood flow, rescuers must press down hard, at a depth of at least two inches for adults.
This intensity is necessary to make the blood circulate effectively, but it also means the force exerted can sometimes break ribs. It’s not surprising when you consider the physics involved. Ribs protect the chest cavity and organs, but they have their limits. Especially in vulnerable populations, ribs may not withstand the pressure required for effective CPR.
Still, rib fractures aren’t all that common, and studies show they can happen only in 55% of cases. While the idea of breaking someone’s ribs can be unsettling, it’s important to remember that the alternative could be far worse. Rib fractures can heal, but the opportunity to save a life is fleeting.
What Increases The Risk Of Rib Fractures
Performing CPR doesn’t always cause rib fractures. The reality is more nuanced, influenced by several factors that affect the likelihood of this injury. Understanding who is at greater risk can help us approach CPR with greater awareness and care. Some of the things that can lead to rib fractures during CPR include:
- Age: Minneapolis has an elderly population of 997,532, and older individuals are more prone to rib fractures during CPR. As we age, our bones lose density and become more brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking under pressure.
- Gender: Research indicates that women are more likely to suffer sternal fractures during CPR than men. This difference is due to bone density and the structural differences in the chest wall between genders. Women, on average, have thinner bones than men, which can make their ribs less able to withstand the compressive forces of CPR.
- Underlying health conditions: Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken, making them fragile and easily breakable. It can turn a life-saving procedure into one that carries additional risks. Individuals with this condition need a little extra care during emergencies.
- Anatomy of the chest wall: Individuals with a thinner chest wall or small stature are generally more vulnerable to rib fractures during CPR. Having less “padding” and structural support around the ribs means a higher risk of injury from the external pressure applied during chest compressions.
- Experience of the person performing CPR: Less experienced rescuers might apply uneven pressure, not position their hands correctly, or use excessive force, all of which can increase the likelihood of rib injuries.
How To Know If Ribs Are Broken
Recognizing the signs of broken ribs during CPR can be tricky, especially in high-stress situations. However, it can help you adjust your technique to provide the best possible aid. Let’s be clear: broken ribs can indeed occur during CPR, but the priority is to keep performing CPR regardless. Even if you suspect a rib has cracked, continue with chest compressions.
However, identifying when a rib might have broken allows you to adjust your technique to minimize further harm. The signs that might indicate a rib has broken during the CPR process are:
- You heard an audible crack during compressions. It’s a sound that’s hard to miss, and when you hear it, it’s a signal to evaluate how much force you’re applying.
- The person exhibits sharp pain in their chest area upon regaining consciousness. While the victim might not be able to communicate their pain during unconsciousness, noticing chest tenderness or the appearance of bruising when they wake can also hint at a rib injury.
- You observe shallow breathing or reduced chest movement. These could be signs that the pain from a fractured rib makes it difficult for the person to breathe deeply.
- A sensation or sound of crackling under the skin. If you hear such sounds around the chest, it suggests air from the lungs is leaking into surrounding tissue due to the broken rib.
What To Do in Case Of Rib Broken During CPR
If you happen to break someone’s ribs while performing CPR, don’t panic. This situation, although unfortunate, can occur, especially given the force needed for effective chest compressions.
Despite the break, continue performing CPR. A broken rib, while serious, pales in comparison to the life-threatening situation of cardiac arrest. Your primary goal should be to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart. If you have CPR training, you’ll know that proper hand placement and depth of compression are key. However, if you suspect a rib has broken, adjust your hand placement slightly to avoid causing further harm without compromising the effectiveness of the compressions.
Once emergency services have taken over, inform them about the broken rib. This information will help medical professionals provide the necessary care while being extra careful. Following the incident, seek guidance and support for yourself as well. Performing CPR can be a physically and emotionally taxing experience, more so if complications arise.
How To Minimize The Chance of Rib Fractures
Minimizing the risk of rib fractures during CPR boils down to mastering the art of applying the right amount of pressure in the correct location. Always aim to compress the center of the chest, specifically on the lower half of the sternum. That distributes force more evenly, reducing the likelihood of directly stressing the ribs.
Avoid pressing down on the very top of the abdomen or the lower end of the sternum, as these areas are more prone to causing injuries. Keep your elbows straight and use the weight of your upper body to administer compressions. That way, you maintain consistent pressure without overexerting force on the ribcage.
Regular CPR training and recertification play a significant role in maintaining your skills. These sessions provide opportunities to practice on manikins, receive feedback, and stay updated on the latest techniques. Staying informed and practiced means you’re more likely to perform CPR correctly, increasing the victim’s survival chances and minimizing the risk of additional harm.
Keep Pressing On
While there is a slight chance of breaking someone’s ribs during CPR, potential rescuers must remember the overarching goal: saving lives. The significance of CPR in emergencies cannot be overstated, and the potential for such injuries should not deter you from learning and applying this lifesaving technique.
If you want to always be prepared to help someone in need, enroll in CPR classes in Minneapolis. During this training, you’ll learn how to react during emergencies, do chest compressions, and give rescue breaths. Most importantly, you’ll learn how not to cause further harm and what to do in the unlikely case the victim’s ribs get fractured during the resuscitation.Be ready, be confident, and know that your actions could save a life in times of need. So, schedule a class today!