The Resus Council have issued statements to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

The ALS algorithm has been revised. However, this is not massively relevant to general practice. The PDF id further down the page for reference.

For General practice BLS is more relevant. There is no updated protocol on that. However there is a statement from the Council . See the first pdf below. The key changes from normal for us are:

Adults
  1. DO NOT listen or feel for breath sounds – if uncertain start chest compression.
  2. Place cloth/towel over the victim’s mouth and nose if there is a perceived risk of COVID19.
  3. Use PPE if available
  4. Wash thoroughly afterwards (just in case you didn’t used to?); and seek advise from 111 or medical adviser.
Children
  • Most likely a respiratory cause, and immediate help needed, so the risk of viral transmission has to be accepted and rescue breaths given.

Please read the statement below yourselves to be sure.

Download [270.23 KB]

Download [147.42 KB]

Resus Council FAQs Relating to ALSDownload