CPR Myths That Can Slow You Down in an Emergency - post

CPR Myths That Can Slow You Down in an Emergency

Why do CPR myths #matter in a real #emergency?

In an emergency, your brain wants to pause and ask, “Am I doing this right?” CPR myths can make that pause even longer. But seconds matter. ChildCareEd explains that survival chances can drop fast when CPR and defibrillation are delayed. 

The goal is simple: know the truth ahead of time so you can act quickly and confidently.  

Myth 1: “I should wait until I’m 100% sure.” What’s the truth?

If someone is not responding and not breathing normally, you should act. Waiting “just in case” can waste precious time. 

What to do instead (easy checklist):

  • Tap and shout: “Are you okay?” image in article CPR Myths That Can Slow You Down in an Emergency
  • Look for normal breathing (not gasping)
  • Call 911 (or point to a specific person: “You—call 911!”)
  • Start CPR right away

Even if you feel unsure, doing something is better than doing nothing when a person is truly unresponsive.

Myth 2: “CPR is only for adults.” What’s the truth?

Children and babies can need CPR too. Emergencies in child care can happen without warning, including choking and breathing problems. 

What to remember in child care:

  • CPR steps can be different for adults, children, and infants
  • That’s why pediatric training is so important
  • Practice helps you stay calm and move faster 

Want a clear refresher on child and infant CPR differences? ChildCareEd has a helpful read here: These Adult and Pediatric CPR Facts Will Shock You!



Myth 3: “If I do CPR, I might get sued.” What’s the truth?

Many people #freeze because they worry about legal trouble. In many places, Good Samaritan laws exist to encourage people to help in emergencies. 

What helps you act faster:

  • Follow your training
  • Follow your program’s emergency #plan
  • Call 911 as soon as possible
  • Document what happened after the emergency (per policy)

When a life is at risk, helping quickly is the priority.

Myth 4: “I have to do mouth-to-mouth, or CPR won’t work.” What’s the truth?

Some people hesitate because they do not want to give rescue breaths. But CPR training today often teaches options, including compression-focused CPR in many situations (especially for adults), and how to use barriers #safely.

What to do instead:

  • Follow your training and workplace policy
  • Start chest compressions right away if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
  • Use a CPR mask or barrier if available and trained to use it

The most important thing is not to delay compressions while you debate breaths. 

Myth 5: “I’ll probably hurt the person if I push on the chest.” What’s the truth?

This myth causes a lot of fear. Yes, CPR can be physically intense. But in cardiac arrest, the person needs blood and oxygen to move to the brain and body. CPR is meant to help until EMS arrives. 

Helpful mindset:

  • CPR is for someone who is not responsive and not breathing normally
  • The risk of doing nothing is usually much worse than the risk of doing CPR

If you worry about “doing it wrong,” training and practice are the best fix.

 

Myth 6: “AEDs are scary and should only be used by doctors.” What’s the truth?

AEDs are designed to help regular people give life-saving support. Many courses teach AED use as part of CPR skills for adults and children. 

What to do instead:

  • Send someone to get the AED right away (if available)
  • Turn it on and follow the voice prompts 
  • Keep doing CPR until the AED tells you to pause

AED + CPR together can make a big difference, and the device helps guide you.

Myth 7: “I should look for my phone, then call the #parent, then decide.” What’s the truth?

In child care emergencies, your first steps should follow your emergency plan. When a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, calling 911 and starting CPR come first (then family notification as soon as it is safe). 

A simple child care team plan:

  • Adult #1 starts CPR
  • Adult #2 calls 911
  • Adult #3 supervises the rest of the children and clears space

If you are alone, start care and call 911 as soon as you can do it safely. image in article CPR Myths That Can Slow You Down in an Emergency

Myth 8: “If the person gasps, I should stop CPR.” What’s the truth?

Gasping can happen during cardiac arrest and can confuse helpers. CPR guidance focuses on whether the person is breathing normally and is responsive.

What to do instead:

  • If the person is not responsive and not breathing normally, continue CPR
  • Follow 911 dispatcher directions if you are on the phone
  • Stop only if the person clearly wakes up, starts breathing normally, or a trained responder takes over

This is one reason practice #matters—gasping can look alarming, and you may second-guess yourself.

 

What quick habits can help you move faster during CPR?

Myths are easier to beat when you have a simple routine in your head.

Try this “FAST” routine:

  • Focus: Take one quick breath for yourself
  • Assess: Unresponsive? Not breathing normally?
  • Shout: “Call 911! Bring the AED!”
  • Take action: Start CPR

It also helps to practice being calm under pressure. This free AidCPR resource is designed to help children (and #classrooms) stay calm and feel safe during emergencies:
https://www.aidcpr.com/r-00701-calm-and-focus-time.html

Which AidCPR courses can help you stop hesitating and start faster?

Training turns “I think” into “I know.” These AidCPR courses are listed on the AidCPR online courses page and connect directly to CPR #speed, confidence, and real skills practice:

Where can you get more CPR tips and refreshers?

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for quick #safety reminders, training updates, and new articles:
https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/

Tap Follow and share the page with your team—because being ready is a team sport.  

 

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