Cardiac Arrest Assessment-cardiac Chain Of Survival-

Online CPR/AED Course

Home
»
CPR/AED Course
»
Assessing the Situation

Chapter 2: Assessing The Situation

It is important to always check the scene and ensure your safety first. Remember to stay alert so you are able to identify and assist in an emergency.

2020 Interim Guidance for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients: Put on PPE immediately & limit the personnel around you after you verify that the scene is safe.

It is critical to understand that dialing 9-1-1 is one of the most important steps you can take to save another’s life.

Your safety is first, so leave the scene if you are at risk.
While helping the victim, protect yourself from transmission of possible diseases.
- Use preventive breathing barriers / personal protective equipment when available.
PPE includes: Gloves, Goggles (eye protection) Gown, Lab Coat or Apron, Shoe Covers, Face Shields / Masks, and Cap
Use disposable gloves to avoid direct contact with blood / bodily fluids.[View Tip]
If you suspect that a victim has suffered a spinal or neck injury, do not move or shake the victim.When preparing to perform CPR, keep in mind ECC’s Chain of Survival. These are the five crucial steps that should be performed in an emergency:
- Early recognition and activation of EMS
- Early CPR with an emphasis on compressions
- Rapid defibrillation
- Early advanced care
- Organized post-care

Chapter 12: 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.

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.