Addressing Rarely Asked Questions in CPR Training

How Should CPR Be Adapted for Individuals with Significant Physical Deformities, Such as Scoliosis or Obesity?

On this page, we delve into advanced yet often overlooked questions about CPR training. Drawing from the perspectives of a first aid instructor, training partner, and program director, we aim to provide clear and practical answers. Specifically, we will address how CPR techniques can be adapted for individuals with significant physical deformities like scoliosis or obesity.

If you’re based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, we encourage you to take a CPR and first aid course to gain hands-on experience and confidence in applying these lifesaving techniques.

“Life Over Limb” – A Foundational Principle in CPR Training

This widely taught principle in Canadian CPR training emphasizes that the primary goal of CPR is to preserve life, even if there is a risk of injury such as broken bones. For victims with conditions like scoliosis or arthritis, your focus should remain on delivering effective compressions and ventilations. This is crucial because:

• Circulating oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, is the highest priority.
• Without oxygen, irreversible damage to these organs occurs within minutes.

When in doubt, perform CPR to the best of your ability, as any effort significantly increases the victim’s chances of survival.

Adapting CPR for Obese Individuals

While the fundamental approach to CPR remains unchanged for obese victims—30 compressions to 2 breaths—additional considerations may apply:

1. Airway Obstruction:
   • For conscious victims with a fully obstructed airway, avoid performing abdominal thrusts (commonly referred to as the Heimlich maneuver) if the victim is obese or pregnant.
   • Instead, deliver chest compressions by positioning the victim’s back against a wall for stability and compressing the chest from a standing position. Alternate compressions with back blows.
2. Positioning and Technique:
   • Effective chest compressions may require additional force to achieve the proper depth, given increased body mass. Rescuers should not hesitate to adjust their position or technique to ensure adequate compressions.

Focus on Saving Lives

Remember: the absence of circulation and breathing leads to organ failure and death within minutes. While injuries such as fractured ribs may occur during compressions, the priority is always to sustain life. Once stabilized, injuries can be addressed by medical professionals.

For comprehensive training on these techniques, enroll in a certified CPR course. Hands-on practice builds the skills and confidence needed to navigate these challenging scenarios effectively.