CPR in a COVID-19 World

We have recently been given some new guidelines from the American Heart Association for performing CPR in our new COVID-19 world. The emphasis is on rescuer safety, while still performing high quality CPR.

For a layrescuer, don’t worry about breaths. Instead cover the victims face with a mask or other face covering, a cloth shirt over their face will work if nothing else. Then, after calling 911, just push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

For healthcare providers, the goal is high quality CPR while limiting aerosolization. So if a bag mask is used to give breaths, if must have a filter and a tight seal. If that is not possible, just do chest compressions with passive oxygenation with a face mask. If advanced providers are available, intubation is now prioritized, and connect to a ventilator as soon as possible and minimized disconnection from the closed circuit.