Rush

Thanks TriageRN. My my my, it just keeps getting better. First you go through to their spine and then you're watching for incontinence. Oh, and a mouthful of whatever they had for lunch as well. It's like Christmas every day in CPR land! :) While she did play down these aspects, she happily played up the violence of the whole thing. I have so much to learn. Thanks all. Rush

Geebus, you'd probably go straight through to her spine . . . ugh. Thanks for all that contributed, I do appreciate it. It just seemed so odd that the woman would say that. Thanks, Rush

Ah, that seems to make sense. Does anyone worry about being sued for this? I mean, certainly nurses / doctors always have that hanging over their heads, but lay people may be very hesitant to commit to such things. Yes dead won't heal, but neither will a suit, unfortunately. Rush

Thanks folks, I didn't realize this. I have tried searching on the web for CPR and "cracked sternum," but it hasn't been very successful. Does one feel this instantly? I would think that would scare or deter lay people from even attempting it. I mean, who wants to get sued for injuring someone else?

Hi All, This is my first post other than saying hello! Thanks to all for being here and posting! I did have a question though, while looking into taking a CPR class today, someone mentioned that actual CPR, done correctly, will almost ALWAYS end up cracking the injured's sternum, and that "frankly," (that was the term she used) until it cracks, you won't get the best compression. I was just really curious about this, as it seemed odd to me. If you are performing CPR, and crack the sternum, then wouldn't you crack ribs as well? :imbar Any thoughts, ideas, or places on the web for further research? I can understand that a cracked sternum that ends up saving one's life is better than letting them die, I guess I didn't realize the CPR could be so invasive, or injurious, for lack of a better term. Thanks all! :)