There aren’t too many people left who are worried about performing CPR during Covid-19. The pandemic might be ongoing and still a concern, but if you see someone collapse in public you’re more likely to panic about not knowing CPR than you are to worry about performing CPR on someone who might be sick.
But for some world-weary people, performing CPR during Covid-19 is still a concern. Maybe they know the person who needs help, and maybe they know that this person recently had Covid? It’s an unlikely scenario, but far from an impossible one.
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving technique performed when someone’s heart stops beating. It works by using chest compressions to manually pump blood through the body when the heart cannot do so on its own, and rescue breathing, where you blow air into the person’s lungs.
CPR During the Covid-19 Pandemic
While performing CPR during Covid-19 might be a concern, there is some good news. There have been no documented cases of serious disease transmission (such as hepatitis or HIV) from mouth-to-mouth CPR.
That said, respiratory infections like the flu and common cold have always had some possibility of spreading through close contact during resuscitation, and this does include Covid-19. By this point, most Australians have either been vaccinated or have had covid, often both, and so thankfully the consequences aren’t as serious as they once were. However, in the unlikely event you need to give CPR to someone you know who has recently had covid, there are two options which can address your concerns:
Compression-only CPR. The Australian Resuscitation Council updated its instructions with compression-only CPR for bystanders during periods of active community transmission. This hands-only technique removes the need for mouth-to-mouth contact while still providing potentially lifesaving intervention.
Using a cloth or barrier over the patient’s mouth. ANZCOR guidelines recommend placing a personal protective equipment like a face shield, a cloth, or other barrier over the patient’s face during resuscitation attempts. This simple step can reduce aerosol transmission risk for both the rescuer and bystander without significantly affecting the quality of chest compressions. The barrier does not need to be medical grade; even a piece of clothing can help reduce potential exposure.
Step-by-Step Compression-Only CPR
Compression-only CPR during Covid-19 begins the same way as any other time. Your first step is to check for danger. Do not enter a scene where someone is injured and other dangers are present, such as loose wires, fire, or traffic. You don’t want to risk becoming a victim yourself.
Tap the person firmly on the shoulders and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” to check for a response and see if they are conscious, and have someone call emergency services as soon as you can. Look for breathing by watching their chest for rise and fall. If they are unconscious and not breathing normally, you will need to begin CPR.
For compression-only CPR during Covid-19 kneel beside the person and place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, then place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight with your shoulders directly above your hands and push hard and fast, approximately 5cm. Perform 30 chest compressions at a rate of 1-2 each second, allowing their chest to fully recoil between each compression. Next you would normally deliver 2 rescue breaths before continuing the cycle. It’s important to remember that compression-only CPR is better than no CPR at all.
In instances of cardiac arrest you will need to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) between each set of 30 compressions. These devices are designed for use by anyone, even without training. The AED will analyse the heart rhythm and determine if defibrillation is needed. Follow the voice prompts, ensure no one is touching the patient when a shock is advised, before returning to compressions. Continue this cycle until the person recovers, help arrives and takes over, or you are physically unable to continue.
Learn Lifesaving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest
Don’t let the fear of performing CPR during Covid-19 stop you from saving a life. The fear of doing something wrong should never stop you from trying to help someone whose heart has stopped. With a CPR training course you can perfect your compression-only CPR during Covid-19 technique to give someone the best chance during cardiac arrest.
FAQs
What Are the Signs of Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest typically causes sudden collapse, unconsciousness, and absence of normal breathing within seconds. The person will have no detectable pulse and will be completely unresponsive to attempts to wake them. Some people experience warning signs before collapse, including chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or heart palpitations.
Can I Use a Defibrillator on Someone with a Pacemaker?
Yes, it is safe to use an AED on someone who has a pacemaker, as they are implanted in the upper left chest, while AED pads are placed on the upper right chest and under the left arm, so they should not interfere with each other.
Are Former Covid-19 Patients at Higher Risk of Cardiac Arrest?
Yes, research shows that people who have had Covid-19 face elevated cardiovascular risks for at least 12 months after recovery, even if their initial infection was mild. A large study found Covid-19 survivors had a 72% higher risk of heart failure and 63% higher risk of heart attack compared to those who were never infected.
