Interim FAQs for Communities: COVID-19 and CPR
TrainingQ:
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Can I get COVID-19 from performing CPR?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the situation is rapidly evolving, and yourrisk is variable depending on your location. If someone’s heart stops, and you are concerned they
may have had respiratory symptoms, it is at your discretion to perform or not perform mouth-tomouth breaths based on your personal preference. It’s still important to call 9-1-1 and find an AED.
If you choose to perform breaths, you can also use a barrier device, such as a pocket mask or faceshield, to help protect yourself.
CPR with breaths is recommended for people who have been trained in CPR, but as analternative, Hands-Only CPR can be performed until help arrives if you are unsure about putting
your mouth on a stranger’s mouth, or have concerns the person may have COVID-19. If you
choose to perform Hands-Only CPR, first call 9-1-1 and then push hard and fast in the center ofthe person’s chest until advanced help arrives. If you think the person may have COVID-19, pleasestate your concerns to the emergency response telecommunicator so everyone who responds canbe aware of the potential for COVID-19 transmission.

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Should I still do the breaths for CPR?
Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR in many cases. If you
have completed CPR training, and feel comfortable doing so, you should also give breaths.
Overall, compressions with breaths is the most effective CPR in helping to save lives, especially inchildren/infants, and people whose hearts have stopped due to drug overdose, drowning, andother respiratory issues. But the most important thing is to do what is most comfortable for YOU.
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For a child or an infant, the cause of the heart stopping is likely to be due to a respiratory issue,
so breaths are really important. Most children or infants who have their heart stop are provided
CPR by a family member or friend. Consider performing compressions and breaths, especially
if the child/infant is known to you.
If you do not feel comfortable giving breaths, or are concerned for COVID-19, you can consider
only performing Hands-only CPR until help arrives.

Can I still use an AED?
Yes. Early AED use is still very important. AED pads can be placed on the person’s chest as directedby the AED prompts. Use the AED as directed. There are no additional directions needed forcoronavirus. Clean the AED surface after use with simple disinfectant to kill the virus, following themanufacturer’s guidelines. Protect yourself and others by wearing gloves when cleaning, and thenwashing your hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching
your face (e.g., eyes, mouth, or nose).

Mass Training Events
The American Heart Association supports following the existing recommendations for mass
gatherings outlined on the World Health Organization (WHO) website, and in the U.S. refer to theCenter for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, as well as the proposals and suggestions ofInterim FAQs for Communities: COVID-19 and CPR
Training
the national, state, and local public health authorities which will have the most up-to-date facts
and will provide information on basic protective measures against COVID-19. Also, anyone whodoes not feel comfortable gathering for large events should not attend mass trainings. And, weurge anyone feeling ill to stay home.
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What is a novel coronavirus? And what is COVID-19?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate
among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused
be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. (Source: CDC,accessed 3/11/2020)

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How does it spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close
contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an
infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people whoare nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Somespread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurringwith this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. (Source:CDC)

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Can I catch COVID-19 from surfaces?
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has thevirus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought
to be the main way the virus spreads. (Source: CDC)

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed
COVID-19 cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include fever, coughand shortness of breath. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like heartdisease, diabetes, or lung disease are more likely to develop serious illness. Call your doctor if you
develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or haverecently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
(Source: CDC)Q:
A:

How do I know how many people have COVID-19 in my community?
The rates of COVID-19 vary by location, however, the situation is rapidly evolving, so it is importantto follow the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, local/state/federal government and/or yourlocal public health department on the current rates of COVID-19 in your community.

Interim FAQs for Communities: COVID-19 and CPR
Training
Q:
A:

How does the CDC recommend I protect myself so I do not get COVID-19?
Please review the following recommendations:• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going tothe bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer withat least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly
dirty.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular householdcleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect
themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help
prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial
for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (athome or in a health care facility).
• Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory
illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person
known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoingspread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare
professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you
need to be tested for COVID-19.
• AND PLEASE DON’T FORGET: It is not too late to get a flu vaccine.