(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

CPR during COVID-19

Heart and Stroke Foundation suggests hands only CPR during COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 11, 2020 | 8:00 AM

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is making a few changes to how CPR is done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The goal behind these is to reduce the risk of the public responder getting a virus from the person, while providing CPR, or using an AED,” said Wayne Therres, manager of Melfort Ambulance.

If someone in the public comes across an unconscious individual, or someone they suspect is unconscious, the first step is to check for breathing.

“Do not be listening or feeling by placing your ear or cheek close to their mouth,” Therres said. “Just look to see if they are breathing.”

Once that takes place, the person responding is told to call 9-1-1 and let them know the situation and that they could possibly have COVID-19 if that’s the case.

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If the responder needs to perform CPR, Therres said it would be hands only CPR, meaning only the typical compressions will be done.

“To prevent contamination to you, they’re suggesting that you lay a cloth, or a towel, or a piece of clothing over top of the person’s mouth and nose and that should prevent any spread of the virus,” he said.

He added that while there won’t be any mouth to mouth resuscitation, hands only CPR still improves the person’s chances of survival by 50 per cent, compared to doing nothing at all.

Therres added someone should only do CPR if they feel comfortable doing so.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6