NB: Updated TSH guidelines July 2020
“In the setting of low rates of community transmission of COVID-19, chest compression and defibrillation are unlikely to pose a risk to first responders who commence CPR without knowledge of the person’s COVID-19 status. Health workers can safely commence chest compression or defibrillation of a patient with suspected, probable or confirmed COVID-19 using contact and droplet precautions, until another clinician arrives, using airborne precautions, to manage the airway”
CEC NSW, june 2020
ACEM guideline here
TSH flowchart:
The key changes with the updated version include:
- Initial responders to commence defibrillation and chest compressions wearing contact and droplet precautions: level 2 gown, goggles, gloves, and surgical mask
- Low risk patients (ie. “cold patients” who will not be getting a COVID swab) to be managed using standard ALS guidelines
- Level 4 PPE to be donned for ongoing resuscitation, BVM ventilation or any advanced airway management.