Chapter 12: Coronavirus CPR Updates | American CPR Care Association
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Coronavirus CPR Guidelines

With the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, and the probability of an increase in cardiac arrests, interim 2020 AHA guidelines for CPR were released in April.

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chapter 12 : Coronavirus CPR Guidelines

Many healthcare providers work close to patients who may be suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. They also have the highest risk profession for contracting the disease. These modifications were made in an effort to:

  • Limit the personnel attending to a patient,
  • reduce provider exposure, and
  • to encourage bystander CPR with an emphasis on providing at least hands-only chest compressions.

Healthcare Provider Adult CPR Update

  • Put on PPE before stepping on the scene
  • Begin cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
  • Use a bag-mask device with a tight seal and filter when giving rescue breaths OR provide continuous chest compressions with passive oxygenation using a medical/protective mask.
  • Use mechanical CPR devices for patients who meet the height/weight requirements to lower aerosolization risk.

Chest Compressions for Adults:

  • Perform at least hands-only CPR after a cardiac arrest event has been identified
  • A face mask or a cloth that covers the mouth and nose of the healthcare provider and/or victim may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to a non-household bystander

Chest Compressions for Children:

  • Perform chest compressions and consider mouth-to-mouth ventilation
  • A face mask or cloth that covers the mouth and nose of the healthcare provider and/or victim may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to a non-household bystander.
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