The past two years have radically changed the way we live our lives. Almost every process has adjusted to fit the pandemic to accommodate safety precautions necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19. Masking requirements, social distancing, lockdowns, and remote work are now standard procedures in America and across the world. 

People are doing everything they can to avoid touch and exposure to each other, but there are certain acts that inherently require proximity to be effective. Administering first aid and CPR is one of them, and it’s important to review the most recently updated guidelines for performing this life-saving procedure safely.

CPR Before and After COVID

In the past, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, was a way for civilian bystanders to potentially save a life of a person in crisis before medical professionals arrive on the scene. Consisting of alternating mouth-to-mouth assisted breathing and timed chest compressions, CPR helps a victim who is not breathing and/or lacks a heartbeat to stay alive long enough to be treated by paramedics. 

Today, it remains a crucial skill that all responsible adults should strive to know and be able to perform if the need arises. However, due to the extremely contagious nature of the COVID-19 virus, the CPR process has become a bit less intimate. 

First and foremost, as with all aspects of life, the Center for Disease Control advocates for the use of PPE, or personal protection equipment, when performing CPR. If possible, respirators, gloves, eye protection, and gowns should be worn; these items are not always available when a spontaneous crisis hits, but essentially, the more protected you are when administering CPR, the better. 

The Big Change: No More Mouth-to-Mouth

Due to the fact that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, the assisted breathing aspect of CPR is no longer on the table. So, when checking for breathing before beginning CPR, it is advised to simply watch for a rising chest, rather than feel for breath with your cheek. 

Regardless of the presence of breath, the CDC advises to proceed with compressions-only CPR to lessen the risk of transmission of the virus. While this is certainly reducing the effectiveness of the life-saving procedure, it is still better than doing nothing. Chest compressions, if performed correctly, can still help a victim survive until the arrival of professional help. 

Disinfect After Procedure

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to perform CPR on someone, make sure to not only protect yourself during the process, but also disinfect thoroughly afterwards. Remove and wash all of your outer clothing as soon as possible; avoid contact with other people until you do so. Dispose of any PPE equipment you used during CPR, such as your face mask or gloves. 

COVID-19 and especially its more recent variants are highly contagious, and the key to stopping its spread is diligent adherence to safety guidelines. Even in a crisis situation that may require a civilian bystander to perform CPR on a victim in need, awareness of the virus and protection against it are crucial to the safety of all involved.