Adult Basic Life Support during COVID-19
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has collaborated with the Infection Control Expert Group to develop new resuscitation guidelines that are regularly reviewed to reflect the best available evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their current guidelines reflect the risks associated with specific aspects of resuscitation, and have introduced a few changes to Basic Life Support (BLS) for adults. Changes pertaining to paediatric arrests have yet to be confirmed, as there is insufficient evidence to support compression only CPR in the paediatric population or other changes at this point in time.
Any local public health recommendations should be considered in regards to the risk of community COVID-19 infections, as this will vary across Australia.
The flowchart changes can be summarised as:
Links to the new guidelines can be found at:
If you are due to update your basic or advanced life support skills, we offer a range of adult and paediatric workshops to meet your ongoing clinical practice development needs. Further details of our workshops can be found on our website:
References:
Australian New Zealand Council on Resuscitation (ANZCOR). 2020. ARC Guidelines. www.resus.org.au (accessed 3/11/2020).
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce. 2020. Flowchart 6: CPR in Hospital. Version 1.0, October 2020 (accessed 3/11/2020).
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce. 2020. Flowchart 7: Preparedness for CPR. Version 1.0, October 2020 (accessed 3/11/2020).
Crystal Smith is a Senior Education Consultant for Critical Care Education Services (part of the Medcast Group). She has a clinical background in critical care, paediatrics and education.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreThis article explores the risks and management of dynamic hyperinflation in mechanically ventilated patients with status asthmaticus. It outlines causes such as airway obstruction and bronchospasm, and provides strategies for adjusting ventilation settings to minimise gas trapping, support cardiac function, and reduce complications like pneumothorax and systemic hypotension.
While cardiac arrest is often a rare event, the high stakes nature means we need to be able to respond instinctively, ensuring immediate effective action when it matters most. How do you stay prepared in-between ALS or PALS courses?
Nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery of critically ill patients. Evidence-based recommendations for patients in the ICU focus on the timing, energy requirement and protein targets as well as the role of micronutrients. The route of administration is not always straightforward and best guided by the patient's clinical needs, indications and contraindications.