Common Myths About Becoming a CPR Provider

Have you been considering doing a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course but feeling a bit apprehensive? Many people have negative perceptions about the role and responsibility of CPR providers, so in today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking 5 common myths that may have been putting you off.

Becoming a CPR provider is both empowering and practical. Not only do you increase your self-confidence and ability to deal with emergency situations, you could also save someone’s life. Let’s take a look at 5 common myths about CPR providers.

MYTH No.1. I won’t know what to do

Do you worry about encountering an emergency situation and not knowing what to do? You are not alone. The thought of finding an unresponsive person does sound daunting, but a First Aid and CPR training course will quickly develop your Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills and confidence.

Fully accredited CPR courses are hands-on, so you’ll actually be performing CPR and defibrillation on mannequins, as well as responding to simulated emergencies involving real people. You’ll have time to practice what you have learned and (if you continue your training) will review your skills every 12 months.

Once you’re trained, if you do encounter an emergency, you’ll be amazed at how resourceful and resilient you have become.

MYTH No.2. I’ll do it wrong

If you were to visit the website of the Australian Resuscitation Council right now, you’ll see the following piece of text in big, bold letters spread across their home page:

“Any attempt at Resuscitation is better than no attempt.”

CPR providers aren’t expected to be doctors and, in many circumstances, perform CPR with the assistance of a fully trained professional. Chances are, you could be on a 000 call and following the operator’s instructions or working alongside a paramedic.

Contrary to popular pub and tearoom talk, by performing CPR, you are unlikely to cause any harm to the person if they are not actually in cardiac arrest.

MYTH No.3. I’ll get sued

The CPR litigation myth is one of the most common reasons people don’t pursue their CPR provider’s course. And sadly, it really is just that, a myth.

What you may not realize is that people who jump in and help during a medical emergency — who act in good faith and aren’t seeking any type of reward or payment — are actually protected from civil liability under Australian good Samaritan laws.

Section 57 Protection of good Samaritans

(1) A good Samaritan does not incur any personal civil liability in respect of any act or omission done or made by the good Samaritan in an emergency when assisting a person who is apparently injured or at risk of being injured.

Here in NSW non-professional CPR providers are protected by Part 8 of the Civil Liability Act 2002. And there are similar laws in other Australian states and territories to protect CPR providers who assist injured people.

It only takes 3–4 minutes for a person to become brain dead if their heart stops beating, and CPR quickly administered to an unresponsive casualty significantly increases their chances of survival. Don’t let a completely untrue myth prevent you from helping someone in need. STILL CONCERNED: have a read of the official publication by the Australian Resuscitation Council that covers Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Resuscitation

MYTH No.4. I’ll get sick

Performing CPR can (but does not have to) involve physical contact with a casualty’s mouth and nose. But for protection, many CPR providers carry masks, face shields, and gloves on their person

During your course, your qualified CPR trainer will show you how to safely perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation with infection controls for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and COVID19.

Using the correct methods and PPE, it is highly unlikely you’ll get sick after rendering lifesaving assistance.

MYTH No.5. I don’t need to know CPR

Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, anytime, to anyone, for a wide range of reasons. Heart disease, trauma, respiratory illness, suicide attempts, drowning, and SIDS can all cause someone’s heart to stop beating.

If you know how to perform CPR, you could well save a life at your sister’s pool party, your local gym, the pub, on a picnic, or at a wedding, at school, on the freeway, a conference, buying groceries, at Church, Synagogue or Mosque.

Accidents and medical emergencies happen when you least expect them, and a 3.5-hour CPR course will give you the confidence and skills you need to respond quickly and act decisively.

Why not get in touch today and find out more about our fully accredited NSW CPR courses, delivering first aid skills and knowledge recognized Australia-wide.