Chest compressions, a vital component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, involve applying forceful pressure to the sternum. This technique is necessary to manually circulate blood when the heart has stopped. While the aim is to save a life, the force required can, as a consequence, sometimes lead to fractures of the ribs or sternum.
The possibility of skeletal injury during resuscitation has been a subject of discussion for many years. It’s essential to recognize that these injuries, while undesirable, are often an acceptable trade-off when weighed against the alternative of death. Studies indicate that the occurrence of such fractures is more prevalent in elderly individuals due to decreased bone density. The potential for injury should not deter rescuers from performing chest compressions, as effective CPR significantly improves the chances of survival.