Final answer:
A higher survival rate in performing CPR is achieved through high-quality chest compressions by trained individuals. Proper training and certification in CPR techniques are essential for effective aid and avoiding additional injury to the patient. Rapid initiation of CPR after an individual is rescued from drowning, particularly in cold water, also increases the chances of recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing CPR, a higher survival rate has been associated with high-quality chest compressions and CPR provided by properly trained individuals. Proper hand placement between the T4 and T9 vertebrae on the sternum and a compression depth of at least 5 cm, combined with a rate of 100 compressions per minute are critical for circulating blood and delivering oxygen to crucial organs such as the brain, where irreversible damage occurs rapidly without blood flow. It is also important to note that CPR is most effective when conducted on stable ground, as opposed to attempting it in water where rescue efforts are less effective.
It is crucial to receive CPR certification and ongoing recertification to avoid potential harm such as broken ribs or driving the xiphoid process into the liver, which may occur if CPR is performed incorrectly. CPR certification and recertification courses are made accessible by various institutions, including colleges, hospitals, the American Red Cross, and commercial companies, emphasizing hands-on practice with mannequins.
In situations like drowning, especially in cold water, where the diving reflex may slow the heart rate and protect the brain, initiating CPR even after prolonged immersion may result in recovery, emphasizing the importance of starting CPR swiftly after an individual is brought out of the water.