Overview
Chest Compression is a fundamental component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) used to maintain blood circulation during cardiac arrest.
Chest compression is crucial for maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest and is the foundation of basic life support.
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Indications
No pulse, no breathing
No response to stimuli
No breathing, no pulse
Submersion injury
Severe injury with arrest
Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Relative Contraindications
📋 Equipment Checklist
Check off items as you gather them:
Pre-procedure Preparation
Preparation includes scene safety assessment, patient evaluation, and understanding the chain of survival.Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Scene Safety
Ensure scene is safe for rescuers.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Unsafe environment
- Poor assessment
💡 Pro Tip:
Check for hazards first.
Step 2: Patient Assessment
Check responsiveness, breathing, pulse.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Inadequate assessment
- Delay
💡 Pro Tip:
Use ABC approach.
Step 3: Activation
Activate emergency response system.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Delay in activation
- Poor communication
💡 Pro Tip:
Call for help immediately.
Step 4: Positioning
Position patient on hard surface.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Poor positioning
- Soft surface
💡 Pro Tip:
Use backboard if available.
Step 5: Compression Technique
Perform compressions with proper technique.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Wrong depth
- Wrong rate
💡 Pro Tip:
Use 2-2.4 inches depth, 100-120/min.
Step 6: Ventilation
Provide rescue breaths if trained.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Poor technique
- Inadequate breaths
💡 Pro Tip:
Use 30:2 ratio.
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Post-procedure Care
Post-procedure care involves monitoring for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and advanced life support.Complications & Management
| Complication | Incidence | Signs | Management | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rib fractures | 30-50% | Crepitus, pain | Continue CPR | Proper technique |
| Sternal fracture | 10-20% | Chest pain, deformity | Continue CPR | Proper hand placement |
| Liver injury | 1-2% | Right upper quadrant pain | Monitor, surgery if needed | Proper depth |
| Lung injury | 1-3% | Dyspnea, chest pain | Chest X-ray, observation | Proper technique |
Clinical Pearls
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Allow complete chest recoil between compressions.
Minimize interruptions in compressions.
Rotate rescuers every 2 minutes.
Use proper hand placement.
Maintain proper compression depth.
Continue until advanced help arrives.