Researchers have suggested that the way many people assume CPR is done may be deadly in some cases.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology has warned that checking a subject’s mouth to make sure their airways are clear, as often practiced, actually delays starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Instead, the first thing that people should be doing when practising CPR is immediately starting chest compressions and defibrillation if possible, researchers say.
“A quick response – especially chest compressions and early defibrillation – is critical. Time spent checking the airway or trying to prevent ‘tongue swallowing’ only delays life-saving treatment,” said Dr Dana Viskin, of Tel Aviv University.
The study was inspired by images of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsing on the pitch during a Euro 2020 football match in 2021 (delayed because of Covid), with crowds looking on as players opened his mouth in an attempt to prevent "tongue swallowing."
They found a number of people praising the footballer’s teammates for their efforts, which suggested that checking for tongue swallowing was being praised rather than being viewed critically.
Researchers then began scouring for other incidents related to athletes suffering from cardiac arrest and discovered a number of similar incidents, which they referenced for their research.
They concluded that “death or severe anoxic brain damage was more likely to follow cardiac arrest events when the victims were subjected to tongue-swallowing prevention manoeuvres than when victims received CPR at first response.”
Dr Viskin added: “There is a striking consistency of the incorrect initial response across most cases, and that itself is a powerful finding.”
If people collapse on their backs, their tongue may sometimes obstruct their throat, but the notion of tongue swallowing is actually a myth, according to Medical News Today.
This new research implies that more education is needed “on proper CPR techniques [that] should include a critical reassessment of the myth of tongue swallowing.”
How to perform CPR properly
According to the Resuscitation Council UK, the most important thing to do if you suspect someone is having a cardiac arrest is to act quickly. Any delay could be fatal.
The organisation has shared a useful video guide on their website that includes a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR in an emergency.
Here are the Resuscitation Council UK’s instructions.
1. Check your surroundings, shout for help and start looking for signs of breathing
2. Call 999 and put the emergency responder on the loudspeaker as they guide you through instructions on performing CPR.
3. Interlock your fingers and start chest compressions on the centre of the person’s chest, aim for two compressions a second and don’t stop.
4. The call handler will be able to tell you if there is an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby that someone can bring and help kickstart the victim’s heart.
5. Continue CPR until a paramedic arrives, the person regains signs of life, or the AED tells you to stop to reanalyse the person’s condition.
