Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is generally performed on a person who suffers from a heart attack. The technique is also performed on a victim of a drowning incident.

t should be performed if a victim is not breathing and their heart has stopped pumping.

One confusion regarding CPR is about the rate of performing compressions. Are faster compressions better? What is the ideal compression rate? What should be the compression rate when offering CPR to a heart attack victim? You will know the answer to these questions here in this article.

CPR 101: Are Faster Compressions Better?

Most people have the impression that the faster you perform compressions, the better the outcome will be. However, studies have found an inverse relationship between rate and depth. Researchers have found that the optimal rate is 125 compressions per minute (CPM). Afterward, the effectiveness of the compressions is reduced.

One study had compared the effectiveness of CPR at 80, 100, 120, and 140 CPM. It was found that faster chest compressions resulted in a longer duty cycle. This resulted in a lower depth during compressions.

That’s why experts recommend that the compressions be close to 100 CPM. Faster compression rate leads to less effective compression. This is due to faster rescuer fatigue due to which the rescuer can’t continue for long.

Dangers of Faster Compressions

Effective CPR requires sufficient depth of compressions. The patient’s chest becomes a pump when CPR is being performed. Each compression results in the blood to flow throughout the body. The compressions should be deep enough to allow the blood to circulate throughout the body. Faster compressions result in shallow pushes due to which the body does not get adequate blood.

Another con of faster compressions is that it can harm the body. Around 60 pounds of pressure is required to reach a sufficient depth. However, providing quick compressions can lead the rescuer to go past that pressure, resulting in bodily injury to the victim.

What Does It All Mean?

Given the dangers of faster compressions, you should maintain a 100 CPM rate. This will ensure effective circulation of blood within the body. Apart from adequate chest compressions, you should also ensure the proper placement of hands.

However, you should not worry about harming the victims. CPR can help save the life of a person in case of an emergency. Your fear of breaking the victim’s bones should not serve as an obstacle in you performing CPR. Remember, you could save someone’s lie. By taking a CPR and first aid certification online course, you will know the correct procedure for performing the technique. You will learn about the conditions when CPR should be performed. Also, you will know about safe practices to ensure that you don’t inadvertently harm the victim.