CPR - Chest compressions

[KevinWilson]

I have a serious question here. As an Army Medic, and a EMT, I was not taught about chest compression on those who have the neck catheter installed. I tried doing research on this site, and there are 4 topics, mainly one from user GraphicBass back in 2010. Several articles say the person is already dead, so doing compression will not hurt them. Not true, you do the same compression's on pregnant women, and they are alive. I was told that any pressure greater than a certain value will cause my catheter to pop out. I have an unusual catheter installation due to vasculitis. I have asked my nurse, several doctors, and 2 heart doctors. They don't have a real answer, only the person is dead if they need to preform.  Anybody heard anything different???

[GA_DAWG]

I don't know if they had catheters or not, but I have seen chest compressions performed on patients who were unresponsive at the center. They did chest compression while they got set up to use the portable defibrillators.

[Charlie B53]

I just had my chest cath pulled and asked the Dr and Nurses a number of questions so I could better understand placement and everything else.  My cath was in a return jugular vein entering immediately above the right clavicle but did not exit the skin there, it was tunneled under the skin over the clavicle and down a couple of inches before coming outside the skin, making it a very solid application not likely to be moved or disturbed.  Even though it extends downwards inside the vein for a distance it is not likely to be damaged at all by physical exertion, chest compression or impact.

Again, I would have to see where yours is inserted, where it extends to, and how it is anchored to be 100% sure, but most likely the surgeon that put it in has make well and sure it is not going to fail.

[KevinWilson]

Mine is the same in the neck. I can see it and feel it. The other end is into the heart. I was told NOT to lift anything over 10 Lbs as it can pop the upper neck catheter. I have lost a lot of weight and they are concerned as you can now see the extended vein. I was an EMT but never taught neck catheters as they are new since 2010. I am also a soldier and seen neck pulsation. If you compress a person, if they pop a catheter in the body, they do pump out, like a bullet wound.