With Resuscitation Council UK closely monitoring the impact which the COVID-19 virus is having in the UK, they have released the following statement:

‘’We are aware of the concerns regarding the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus), but wish to emphasise the crucial importance of doing CPR for the person in cardiac arrest. 

In the UK, almost 200 people a day will suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital. When someone has a cardiac arrest, they are not breathing normally and their heart has stopped. With no treatment, this person will die, usually within a few minutes. Early CPR and defibrillation give them their best chance of survival.’’

Read the full statement here.

As the continuation of providing First Aid treatment to casualties during the Coronavirus pandemic is so important, Resuscitation Council UK have now provided the following updated advice on CPR, which can used as a precaution during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak if needed:

• Check if they require CPR by LOOKING for absence signs of life and normal breathing, instead of listening or feeling for breath. If you are unsure if they are breathing or are breathing normally, assume they are not and begin CPR. Call 999 as soon as possible and tell the call handler if you suspect the casualty has Coronavirus.

• When giving chest compressions, push firmly downwards in the middle of the chest and then release. If you think there is a risk of infection for yourself or the casualty, you should deliver compression-only CPR (also known as ‘Hands-only CPR’) and if available use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and continue with compression-only CPR until the ambulance arrives and takes over. Wear disposable gloves, eye protection and a face mask if available. If you decide to perform rescue breaths on a casualty who is not breathing, use a resuscitation face shield where available.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after performing compression-only CPR or use an alcohol-based hand gel if this isn’t available. You should also ask for advice from the NHS 111 Coronavirus advice service as soon as possible.

Important: If providing treatment to a baby or child, the importance of calling an ambulance and taking action immediately is extremely important. Although performing mouth to mouth rescue breaths will increase the risk of transmitting the Coronavirus, either to the First Aider or the casualty, the risk is small compared to the risk of not taking action.

Read here the full Resuscitation Council UK Statement on COVID-19 in relation to CPR and resuscitation in first aid and community settings.