I gave CPR (15 compressions/2 breaths, per dispatcher) for approximately 20 minutes, on my own, prior to the arrival of EMT/Paramedics last Wednesday morning. I'm not in great physical shape and my feet are cramping, back aches, leg muscles, arms and hands are all aching. I am not sure if the aches I'm continuing to feel are normal after giving CPR for that long (for someone who's as out of shape as I am) or if it's a physical response to grief. Any info would be appreciated.
2007-12-10 14:27:42 · 9 answers · asked by Amy S 6 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
Absolutely. You SHOULD feel winded and sore after giving CPR correctly. Anyone who has run a code in a hospital will tell you this. That's why they rotate the person who gives chest compressions every few minutes during a code. It's exhausting. If you weren't tired, you weren't doing it correctly.
BTW, I hope whoever you were doing it on makes it out of this OK. Best wishes!
2007-12-10 14:32:10 · answer #1 · answered by Alfredo Garcia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very normal to feel sore after CPR when you're not used to it. Especially if you were being told how to do it by a dispatcher, since your body positioning might have been all out of whack. I suggest taking a CPR/First Aid course at the red cross incase you ever need to do it again. Or contact your local firestation, I know we have a class once every couple months at our house. Congratulations on stepping up to help some one though, you did a really great thing. :)
I'm surprised dispatch had you do 15:2 though, 30:2 is the national standard these days.
2007-12-10 16:20:51 · answer #2 · answered by Seattle_Slacker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are feeling is perfectly normal after what your entire body went through performing CPR for such an extended period of time. It is recommended that two people perform the procedure, taking turns alternating breaths and compressions. It is a very physically demanding thing to do, especially by yourself and for as long as you did it. And grief can also cause physical pain. You should take time to rest your body and spirit. That said, you should still get checked out by your doctor. There may be medication or therapy he may suggest. Be well sweetie, I wish I could make this time less painful. Just know that I am here. May God Bless you and your family during this difficult grieving process.
2007-12-10 15:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by HLBellevino 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably normal. You have to put out a decent level of effort to do it right. You were probably pumped full of adrenalin, so you didn't notice how much work you were doing. You probably didn't have a chance to warm up like you'd do if you were about to exercise. You probably didn't warm down, either. You were probably using muscles in ways you don't normally use them, in a position you weren't used to being in. And you state that you're not in great physical shape.
2007-12-10 14:32:44 · answer #4 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's because you have given cpr for extended period of time....it's normal after that event to have back and leg aches...your using those muscles for cpr...it will get better...long warm baths are good for relaxing muscles
2007-12-10 14:45:17 · answer #5 · answered by Heidi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG yes! CPR will wear you out! It is a real work out!! That is completely normal.
2007-12-11 04:03:48 · answer #6 · answered by "McRib" NREMT-P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is normal 20 minutes of compressions is a long time
2007-12-10 14:32:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are not kidding, I did CPR for over 40 minutes with another firefighter and let me tell you my butt muscles,back and front of legs it hurst to seat.
2016-03-18 05:44:22 · answer #8 · answered by . 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its normal, my cpr instuctor told us it was normal after my friend and i complained about our butt muscles and arms hurting.
2013-12-07 15:22:53 · answer #9 · answered by Makayla 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋