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.
There are three documents attached: EMS; Law Enforcement; and Dispatch guidance. These are templates, which require approval by each agency.
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
David N. Gerstner
MMRS/RMRS/EP Coordinator
Department of Fire I City of Dayton
300 N. Main St. I Dayton, Ohio 45402
Office 937.333.4551 I Fax 937.333.4561 I www.daytonohio.gov
24/7 Pager: 937-227-8705 or E-mail 9372278705@archwireless.net
Cell 937.776.4410
david.gerstner@daytonohio.gov I http://DaytonMMRS.org