AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED common mistakes
AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED · Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
Starting chest compressions at a shallow depth (about 1 inch) because the rescuer is unsure how hard to push on an adult.
Rescuers fear causing injury and have not practiced with feedback on depth, so they under-compress.
What to do instead
Practice on a manikin with a depth gauge or clicker until you consistently reach at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm), and let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
Compressing too slowly, at roughly 60–80 per minute, instead of the required 100–120 per minute.
Rescuers count at a conversational pace and lose track of rate while also trying to remember the sequence.
What to do instead
Use a metronome or the beat of a song in the 100–120 bpm range, and rehearse 30-compression cycles until the rate is automatic.
Interrupting compressions for 20–30 seconds while setting up or applying the AED pads.
The rescuer stops CPR to read pad instructions and untangle cables, treating pad placement as a separate task.
What to do instead
Keep compressions going while a second rescuer exposes the chest and applies pads; pause only for rhythm analysis and shock, and resume immediately after the shock or 'no shock advised' prompt.
Placing AED pads over a medication patch or on wet skin without drying or removing the patch first.
Rescuers focus on pad position and skip the skin-preparation step, which can block current or cause burns.
What to do instead
Dry a wet chest with a towel, remove any medication patch and wipe the area, then apply pads to bare, dry skin following the pad diagram.
Delivering a shock while a rescuer or bystander is still touching the patient.
The team has no clear roles or verbal 'clear' routine, so contact is not confirmed before the shock button is pressed.
What to do instead
Announce 'Clear!' and visually check that no one is touching the patient before pressing the shock button; assign one person to call and confirm clearance.
Giving rescue breaths that are too large or too fast, causing the chest to rise sharply and air to enter the stomach.
Rescuers equate a bigger breath with a better breath and blow hard instead of watching for chest rise.
What to do instead
Give each breath over about 1 second, just enough to see the chest begin to rise, then let the air escape before the next breath.
Skipping or delaying the call to emergency services or the AED request while starting care.
The rescuer fixates on the victim and assumes someone else has already called.
What to do instead
Point to a specific bystander and say 'You, call 911 and get the AED,' or call yourself on speakerphone if alone, before or while beginning care.
Controlling severe external bleeding by pressing on the wound with a loose dressing instead of firm direct pressure.
Rescuers are squeamish about pressing hard and add dressings without maintaining pressure.
What to do instead
Press directly on the wound with a clean cloth or gauze using firm, steady pressure, and add more dressing on top if it soaks through rather than removing it.
Treating a suspected stroke or seizure victim by giving food, drink, or pills, or by restraining a seizing person.
Rescuers want to 'do something helpful' and misjudge swallowing and injury risk.
What to do instead
For stroke, note the time symptoms began and call 911 without giving anything by mouth; for seizure, protect the head, clear nearby objects, do not restrain, and roll the person onto their side once the seizure ends.
Failing to recognize when to stop CPR or when an AED is not advised, such as shocking a person who is responsive or has a pulse.
Rescuers memorize the sequence but not the decision points, so they apply the protocol mechanically.
What to do instead
Before CPR or a shock, check responsiveness and breathing; use the AED only on an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally, and follow every AED voice prompt, including 'no shock advised, resume CPR.'