We have recently been given some new guidelines from the American Heart Association for performing CPR in our new COVID-19 world. The emphasis is on rescuer safety, while still performing high quality CPR.

For a layrescuer, don’t worry about breaths. Instead cover the victims face with a mask or other face covering, a cloth shirt over their face will work if nothing else. Then, after calling 911, just push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

For healthcare providers, the goal is high quality CPR while limiting aerosolization. So if a bag mask is used to give breaths, if must have a filter and a tight seal. If that is not possible, just do chest compressions with passive oxygenation with a face mask. If advanced providers are available, intubation is now prioritized, and connect to a ventilator as soon as possible and minimized disconnection from the closed circuit.

In short, an AED or Automated External Defibrillator is a device that saves lives. It analyzes the person’s heart and delivers an electrical shock, if needed,to eliminate an abnormal heart rhythm.

AEDs are design to be simple to use. They use voice prompts to tell the user what to do, allowing anyone to be able to use it, even without prior training.

The use of AEDs in the community has been associated with nearly doubling survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

AHA information

Who needs them?

The American Heart Association supports placing AEDs in targeted public areas such as sports arenas, gated communities, office complexes, doctor's offices, shopping malls, etc. When AEDs are placed in the community or a business or facility, the AHA strongly encourages that they be part of a defibrillation program in which:

• Persons that acquire an AED notify the local EMS office.
• A licensed physician or medical authority provides medical oversight to ensure quality control.
• Persons responsible for using the AED are trained in CPR and how to use an AED.

Contact us for more information on Automated External Defibrillators or to setbup a program at your business www.EverydayHeroesCPR.net/AED