What Happens If CPR Is Done Incorrectly

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is CPR in Simple Terms?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency procedure performed when someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to manually keep blood flowing and provide oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. This process buys time until emergency medical help arrives or the heart restarts.

CPR is designed for anyone to perform—even without medical training—to improve survival chances in cardiac arrest or respiratory failure situations. It’s a temporary life-support technique that prevents brain damage and death caused by lack of oxygen.

For example, if a person collapses suddenly and stops breathing, a bystander can start CPR by pressing firmly in the center of the chest and giving breaths to maintain circulation and oxygen levels. This helps keep the person alive until paramedics come.

Unlike other first aid steps such as wound care or choking relief, CPR focuses specifically on maintaining heart and lung function. It is not a cure but a critical emergency response.

How Does CPR Work? A Clear Example

CPR works by manually pumping blood and supplying oxygen when the heart stops beating effectively. Without a heartbeat, oxygen-rich blood doesn’t reach the brain and organs, causing damage within minutes.

Chest compressions push the heart between the breastbone and spine, forcing blood out to the body. Rescue breaths fill the lungs with oxygen, replenishing the blood’s supply. Together, these actions keep vital organs alive.

Imagine a 45-year-old man collapses after an apparent heart attack. His spouse calls 911 and starts CPR. She places her hands in the center of his chest and pushes down about 2 inches at a pace of 100 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, she tilts his head back, pinches his nose, and gives two breaths, watching his chest rise. She repeats this cycle until help arrives.

If compressions were too shallow or too fast, blood flow would be insufficient. If breaths were blown too hard, air could enter the stomach, causing discomfort or vomiting. This example shows why correct depth, pace, and technique matter.

Why Does Doing CPR Incorrectly Matter?

Incorrect CPR reduces the chances of survival and may cause injuries. Shallow or slow compressions don’t circulate enough blood, starving the brain of oxygen. Compressing too deeply or in the wrong spot can break ribs or damage organs like the lungs or liver.

Giving rescue breaths improperly can inflate the stomach instead of the lungs, leading to vomiting and choking hazards. Starting CPR on someone who is breathing or responsive can cause harm and delay proper care. Stopping CPR too soon lowers survival odds.

Incorrect CPR also discourages bystanders from helping due to fear of mistakes or harm. However, some CPR is better than none. Learning proper technique increases confidence and improves outcomes.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make When Performing CPR?

Common errors during CPR include:

• Shallow compressions: Pressing less than 2 inches deep reduces blood flow.
• Incorrect rate: Compressing too slowly or too fast (below 100 or above 120 per minute) lowers effectiveness.
• Pausing too often: Interruptions for pulse checks or breaths reduce circulation.
• Wrong hand placement: Hands placed too high, low, or off-center fail to compress the heart properly.
• Not allowing full chest recoil: Not letting the chest rise fully after each compression reduces blood return.
• Improper rescue breaths: Blowing too hard, too fast, or without sealing the airway sends air into the stomach.
• Delaying calling 911: Waiting too long to activate emergency services wastes crucial time.
• Performing CPR on someone responsive: This can cause injury and waste time.

To avoid these, remember simple instructions like “push hard and fast in the middle of the chest” and “call 911 immediately.” Take a CPR class to practice hands-on skills and build muscle memory.

How Is CPR Different From Just Chest Compressions?

CPR includes chest compressions and rescue breaths, but in some cases, compression-only CPR is recommended. Compression-only CPR means performing continuous chest compressions without breaths. This approach is advised for untrained rescuers or situations where giving breaths is unsafe or not possible.

For adults with sudden cardiac arrest, compression-only CPR maintains some blood flow and improves survival chances better than doing nothing. Rescue breaths remain important in cases like drowning, respiratory failure, or for children and infants, where oxygen is critically needed.

Knowing when to use full CPR versus compression-only CPR depends on your training and the situation. If uncertain, start chest compressions immediately rather than delay.

What Are the Risks of Incorrect CPR?

Though CPR aims to save lives, wrong technique carries risks:

• Broken ribs or chest injuries: Pressing too forcefully or in the wrong spot may break ribs or cause bruising.
• Organ damage: Rare but possible if compressions are too deep.
• Vomiting and choking: Improper rescue breaths inflate the stomach, increasing aspiration risk.
• Rescuer fatigue: Tired rescuers deliver weaker compressions.
• Delays in professional care: Not calling 911 or stopping CPR too soon reduces survival.
• Emotional stress: Fear of harm may prevent action.

Despite risks, the chance to save a life outweighs potential harm. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR without hesitation. Training reduces risks and improves success.

What Should You Do Next to Prepare for CPR?

Preparing yourself to perform CPR correctly includes:

1. Take a CPR training course: Sign up with organizations such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. These classes teach proper technique, timing, and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
2. Understand both full and compression-only CPR: Know when and how to use each method based on your training.
3. Practice regularly: Skills fade, so refresh your knowledge and hands-on practice every 1-2 years.
4. Learn AED use: AEDs are easy to use and critical in cardiac arrest emergencies. Training covers safe application alongside CPR.
5. Memorize clear steps: For example: “Check responsiveness, call 911, start compressions at 2 inches deep and 100-120 per minute, give two breaths after 30 compressions if trained, continue until help arrives.”
6. Stay calm: In emergencies, clear, steady actions improve CPR quality and outcomes.

By preparing ahead, you increase your ability to act quickly and correctly when it matters most.

Frequently asked questions

Can CPR cause broken ribs?

Yes, chest compressions can break ribs because firm pressure is required to circulate blood. While broken ribs can be painful, they are generally an acceptable risk compared to the possibility of death from untreated cardiac arrest. Proper hand placement and compression depth help reduce the risk.

How do I know if I am doing CPR correctly?

Correct CPR includes compressing the chest about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, allowing the chest to fully rise between compressions, and giving two effective rescue breaths after every 30 compressions if trained. Hands-on CPR classes help ensure proper technique.

What is compression-only CPR and when should it be used?

Compression-only CPR involves performing continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. It is recommended for untrained rescuers or when giving breaths is unsafe or not possible. This method helps maintain blood flow and can improve survival if started promptly.

When can CPR be stopped once started?

CPR should continue until emergency medical personnel arrive, the person shows signs of life such as breathing or movement, you are physically unable to continue, or a trained professional instructs you to stop. Stopping too early reduces the chance of survival.

Is CPR necessary for someone who is unconscious but breathing?

No, CPR is not appropriate for someone who is unconscious but breathing normally. Instead, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and monitor their breathing until help arrives. CPR is only for those who are unresponsive and not breathing or breathing abnormally.