{"id":1125,"date":"2025-11-28T12:38:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T17:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aedcpr.com\/articles\/?p=1125"},"modified":"2025-11-28T12:38:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T17:38:05","slug":"can-cpr-break-ribs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aedcpr.com\/articles\/can-cpr-break-ribs\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About CPR Bone Breaks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TL;DR:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rib fractures are common during CPR, but that should not stop you from continuing chest compressions in a life-or-death emergency. Broken ribs don\u2019t guarantee CPR effectiveness\u2014signs like regained breathing, pulse, or movement matter more. CPR certification ensures you\u2019re prepared to act confidently while protected under Good Samaritan laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll provide what you need to know about CPR and cracked ribs, CPR and broken ribs, and answer pressing questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. How often do ribs break during CPR?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Do you have to break ribs for CPR?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Does a fractured rib mean CPR was effective?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. How common are injuries from CPR?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving emergency procedure that is administered when someone experiences respiratory or cardiac arrest. Before performing CPR, always call 911 to make sure help is on the way, as recommended by the American Heart Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Performing CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. The chest compressions need to be at least 2 inches deep if you\u2019re performing CPR on an adult. When you perform chest compressions, place one hand on top of the other on the victim\u2019s chest, push down hard and fast to circulate blood, and let the person\u2019s chest rise for the next compression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As you push someone\u2019s chest down, you may feel a rib break and hear a cracking sound in the process. You may also hear bones moving against cartilage. Rib fractures during CPR are not common, but you should be prepared for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s important to consider the CPR victim’s background: for example, are they elderly? If they\u2019re elderly, the likelihood of rib fractures occurring is greater due to the fragility of their bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nevertheless, the risks of rib fractures should not deter you from performing CPR (if you are CPR certified and received consent to do so, of course). Good Samaritan laws protect people who voluntarily help another person during a medical emergency, and you will not be punished for breaking someone\u2019s ribs while performing CPR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What to Do if Bones Break During CPR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You don\u2019t have to break ribs to perform CPR. Breaking a rib or ribs is something that can happen as you perform chest compressions. If this happens, don\u2019t panic. Re-landmark your hands on the victim’s chest, and keep going. In a matter of life or death, you must do what you need to do to save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the same time, fractured ribs themselves do not mean a CPR procedure was carried out effectively<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To determine whether CPR was performed effectively, look out for these signs instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n