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References

Resuscitation Council UK. Resuscitation Council UK Statement on COVID-19 in relation to CPR and resuscitation in first aid and community settings. 2020. https://www.resus.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-resources-general-public/resuscitation-council-uk-statement-covid-19 (Accessed 24 July 2020)

COVID-19 update: CPR

From Volume 47, Issue 8, September 2020 | Page 687

Authors

Sonam Thakkar

BDS5 Dental Student, King's College, London

Articles by Sonam Thakkar

Article

I wish to stress the crucial importance of CPR and highlight the key changes that have been introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A cardiac arrest can occur at any place, at any time and to anyone. It is critical and life-threatening. However, the chances of recovery can be increased by delivering efficient CPR. As dental practitioners, I believe it is a vital skill, whether it takes place on the streets or in the waiting room of a busy dental practice. We have the training to ultimately tip the balance between fatality and survival.

The reader should be knowledgeable of new guidance of CPR to prevent virus transmission and to protect themselves.

The latest guidance to reduce the transmission of coronavirus whilst performing CPR is as follows (Resuscitation Council UK Statement on COVID-19 in relation to CPR and resuscitation in first aid and community settings, 2020):1

  • Shout for help and dial 999. If you suspect COVID-19, mention it on the phone.
  • Look for absence of signs of life and normal breathing. It is no longer advised to listen or feel for breathing by placing your ear and cheek close to the patient's mouth.
  • If possible, place a cloth over the patient's mouth and nose.
  • Compression only CPR. No rescue breaths.
  • Early use of defibrillator as no increased risk of infection.
  • If access to personal protective equipment (PPE), it should be worn.
  • After CPR, everyone involved must wash their hands with water and soap as soon as possible and seek advice from NHS 111 coronavirus service.

    • I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who has conducted or assisted in CPR. I hope the above guidelines will eliminate any hesitation that may have emerged due to COVID-19.

    Together, we can save lives.