8. Resuscitation
Resuscitation is common as an emergency response technique where the breathing or heart has stopped; because of the fact that it’s considered a life-saving treatment, there’s more of an emphasis on completing CPR than on not hurting the rest of the body – and rib fractures are considered very common in cases where CPR is performed. Due to the pressure placed on the ribcage, the ribs can easily snap – and yes, this usually means that CPR is being done properly.
It’s an unavoidable consequence of performing the procedure, and in most cases, people would prefer to see damage to a rib happen rather than die from not getting CPR: Of course, it goes without saying that medical attention is needed for the broken rib as soon as possible, once the initial emergency has been adequately dealt with.
More care needs to be taken in the case of resuscitation when it comes to older people, small children or any other health conditions which affect the bone.