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.