What factors can complicate the performance of CPR?

Obesity, large breasts, or advanced age of the victim can complicate the performance of CPR due to several anatomical and physiological factors. For instance, excess body weight and certain body types can affect the ability to effectively compress the chest, as deeper compressions may be necessary to ensure blood circulation during cardiac arrest. The presence of large breasts can also hinder proper hand placement and compression depth, making it more challenging to achieve the necessary force for effective CPR.

Additionally, the advanced age of a victim may contribute to factors such as frailty or the presence of age-related medical conditions that might impede effective CPR. In older adults, the chest wall may be more rigid due to age-related changes, requiring more effort to facilitate effective compressions. Therefore, these physical attributes directly affect the efficacy of CPR and should be taken into consideration by rescuers to ensure the best possible response.