Published 8th December 2022
Updated Guidance for Basic Life Support During COVID-19
Ahead of the holidays, updated guidance has been issued for Basic Life Support actions in a living with COVID-19 paradigm.
This update comes exactly one year after the previous guidance was provided in December 2021. Available here
The guidance has been issued by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce, of which the Australian Resuscitation Council is a member, and was published on 29 November 2022.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and the National Aquatic Industry Committee has been staying connected with the taskforce to ensure timely advice to the National Aquatic Industry.
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Guidance recommends that rescue breaths should be provided to all children and any drowning casualty (regardless of age) and recommends that the rescuer uses a bag valve mask where available.
Key changes include
- Reference to minimum PPE requirements have been deleted
- Masks are no longer mentioned for further lowering the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in the basic life support setting.
Taskforce member Professor Peter Morley AM speaking at a dedicated webinar to discuss the changes stated: "People should be empowered to provide CPR as usual in a community setting. Chest compressions, early access to a defribrillator and breathing can double or triple the chance of survival for a patient experiencing cardiac arrest, so we would certainly encourage everyone to get back to the things they are trained to do."
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said the guidance issued by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce provides updated clarity for those in the community and people providing first aid.
“The importance of rescue breaths and the safety of first responders remain of great importance. Basic Life Support skills are critical but of course we hope there are minimal or no incidents where they are required at aquatic centres over summer,” Mr Scarr said.
The guidance is available in the form of a flowchart download here
More about the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce:
The Taskforce brings together the peak health professional bodies across Australia whose members are providing clinical care to people with COVID-19. The guidelines address questions that are specific to managing COVID-19 and cover the full disease course across mild, moderate, severe and critical illness. The Taskforce deploys considerable expertise to ensure every Australian clinician and first responder has access to a single source of trustworthy advice about critical aspects of COVID-19 care.
NC19CET Statement:
More about the National Aquatic Industry Committee:
More about the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia:
