Final answer:
Cracking ribs can occur during CPR, particularly with improper technique or excessive force, but the main focus should be on correctly performing CPR. Proper CPR training is crucial to avoid complications and ensure effective life-saving action.
Step-by-step explanation:
Should a person be alarmed if they hear ribs crack while performing CPR? While hearing a crack can be unsettling, it is not uncommon for ribs to break during CPR, especially in older victims due to the fragility of their bones. However, the priority is to ensure that the chest compressions are being performed correctly to circulate blood effectively. CPR, particularly when done by those who are not properly trained or are overly forceful, can lead to serious injuries, including broken ribs or sternum and can even drive the xiphoid process into the liver, which may be fatal.
It's important to have proper CPR training to minimize the risks and to be ready to perform this life-saving procedure correctly. CPR courses that offer recertification are provided by various institutions such as colleges, hospitals, the American Red Cross, and commercial companies, emphasizing the importance of the proper techniques.