Barrier resuscitation by lay rescuers during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aerosols generated from chest compressions and ventilation attempts in patients with cardiac arrest may cause airborne infections. Accordingly, the interim international resuscitation guidelines have restricted basic life support by lay rescuers to compression only and the use of an automated external defibrillator during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although these measures may diminish the risk of infection for laypersons, the missing respiratory support can be detrimental for patients with hypoxia-related cardiac arrest. To overcome this shortcoming we want to introduce a special tool that allows ventilation during barrier resuscitation by laypersons. We hypothesize that the application of a device made of a polyvinyl chloride shield with a centrally installed S-shaped ventilation pipe with integrated filter can provide adequate ventilation while concurrently protecting patient and rescuer from airborne agents. Aerosols from air leakage are removed by adhesion and drainage below the barrier. No specific training other than basic life support is needed. We suggest that a tool of this kind be considered essential equipment and stored together with disposable gloves in public access locations.