EMS Cardiac-Respiratory Arrest Resuscitation with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19

We have been working to develop guidance for our region regarding CPR during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Last week, the American Heart Association along with seven other medical societies issued Interim Guidance, and as it recommends, we used their expert guidance and modified it for our region.  These materials focus on reducing provider exposure, while prioritizing goals of care and appropriateness of resuscitation.

The EMS version includes three levels.  Level 1 is largely focused on providing timely, high-quality resuscitation to patients while simultaneously protecting rescuers.  Levels 2 and 3 essentially are triage tools to be used in the event of overwhelming call volumes.  EMS agencies should note that we are only recommending implementation of “Level 1” at this time.  The need for use of Levels 2 and 3 must be based on your agency’s resources, capabilities, and the demands placed on you.

The AHA Interim Guidance is available here:  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.047463