2. COVID-19 Training Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources for Auscultation, CPR, CVC Insertion, Intubation, I.V., Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection, Simulated Monitoring, Tracheostomy, Cricothyroidotomy, Virtual Scenarios and X-Ray-CT-Ultrasound Training.

When a medical emergency occurs and you decide to help, there are some commonsense things you should do. Adherence to standard infection control precautions, used whether an infection is suspected or not, is an important first step. This involves the use of personal protective barriers including disposable gloves, eye protection, protective facemasks, or CPR masks with a one-way valve when giving rescue breaths.

• For most people, the hands are the body parts most likely to touch surfaces and objects in their environment. Exposure to COVID-19 through contaminated surfaces or objects can be minimized though the use of disposable gloves, especially when providing emergency medical care. Care must be taken during the removal of gloves to prevent additional indirect exposure or contamination.
• Wearing eye protection such as glasses, face shields, or goggles will help prevent direct exposure to the eyes from splashing or spraying, such as when someone coughs or sneezes.
• If you have protective facemasks follow the CDC’s recommendations for putting one on and using it. Place one on an ill or injured person you are caring for who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 to reduce exposure to yourself and others. Use one yourself if you are in a close setting and providing emergency care. Just like disposable gloves, care must be taking when removing a facemask to prevent indirect exposure or contamination.
• Because COVID-19 is a respiratory-based disease, giving rescue breaths, as part of CPR, is of concern. CPR masks with a one-way valve are designed to protect the person giving rescue breaths from exposure to respiratory droplets . As with other personal protective barriers, care must be taken to avoid additional indirect exposure or contamination during and after using a CPR mask.
• For sudden cardiac arrest of adults, compression-only CPR is recommended if you are unable to, or prefer not to, give rescue breaths. Compression-only CPR can circulate the remaining oxygen in the body when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, buying more time to get and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• After removing gloves, or any other protective barriers, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Always keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 information from the CDC.