First aid adapted to the Covid-19

Basic life support (BLS) and automated external defibrillation (AED) adapted for COVID-19.

Sudden and premature circulatory arrest occurs with a probability of approximately 1 event per 1000 inhabitants, with the risk increasing with age.
Regardless of the cause of the circulatory arrest, the most important measures are early detection, early emergency call, earliest possible defibrillation, high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the shortest possible interruption of chest compressions, and treatment of the reversible causes.
First responders within the company take care of the patient until the alarmed professional medical team arrives. They have been trained accordingly and must undergo regular refresher training.

The main mechanism of Covid-19 disease transmission from the SARS-CoV-2 virus is by respiratory secretions either directly from the patient or by touching contaminated surfaces.
In most cases, delivery of chest compressions and defibrillation are lumped together with all cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation interventions.

For suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases Life Support algorithms have been adapted.

The minimum droplet and aerosol-precaution personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders comprises:

• Gloves
• Mask (FFP 2);
• Full-face shield/visor or polycarbonate safety glasses or equivalent;

Procedures:

• Use of automated external defibrillation as usually;
• Ongoing chest compressions with rate of 100/minute as usually;
• No mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask breaths;
• PCR-test recommended on day 5 after operation for first responder.