Points to Note when performing CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Points to Note when performing CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Compared to healthcare workers well-equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), lay rescuers are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to cardiac arrest patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, since it is often the case that they do not have adequate PPE. With rescuers’ safety in mind and to prevent infection, the Fire Services Department has come up with a few points for rescuers to note when performing CPR, with reference made to the Interim Guidance for Basic and Advanced Life Support in Adults, Children, and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 issued by the American Heart Association as well as other relevant information. They are set out below for reference:

  1. Wear a face mask properly before giving CPR; and, if necessary, wear googles or gloves for additional protection.
  2. Put a face mask on the patient or use a cloth to cover his mouth and nose before giving CPR.
  3. Administer chest compressions only.  Do not perform mouth-to-mouth artificial resuscitation.
  4. Use an automated external defibrillator, if available, as defibrillation is not expected to be a highly aerosolising procedure.
  5. After the rescue, be mindful of personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene; and self-monitoring of coronavirus symptoms is also necessary.