MedAire blog

How MedAire medical kits enable safe CPR amid the pandemic

No-one looks forward to the day that they might have to administer CPR, especially with the heightened risks COVID-19 has brought, but it’s a skill that every crew member must know and be confident to use, at a moment’s notice.

COVID-19 most commonly spreads through droplets and aerosols, in close person-to-person contact and as there’s potential for cross infection during CPR, extra precautions must be taken to mitigate against these risks and better protect rescuers.

Drawing on the expertise of MedAire’s vast network of medical professionals, we have compiled some extra guidance around CPR practices (which will be included in our MedAire Tune-Up Training for customers).

Scenario

Two elderly guests come onboard with pre-existing conditions, they’re already feeling slightly unwell – however have provided negative COVID-19 tests, as part of your vessel’s protocol. A few days into the trip, you hear a crash and find one of the guests unconscious on the floor.

What do you do?

1. Rapidly identify the need for CPR

Make your initial assessments of the victim to check for signs of life, making sure to keep them at arm’s length.

Do not place your ear or cheek close to their mouth to listen for signs of breathing.

Once the need for CPR is identified

2. Hands-only CPR

Use improvised coverings over the casualty’s face to increase your protection against a potential COVID-19 risk.

While your crew members are fetching your defibrillation and oxygen kit, start conducting Hands-only CPR i.e. no rescue breaths.

3. Airway management

The MedAire Global OxyKit with i-Gel airway device, provides the safest and most effective way of providing oxygen to the casualty in the resuscitation process.

NEW Inline filter: A new addition to the oxygen packs is an easy-to-fit filter that safely removes and filters out bacteria and viruses from the expired air from the patient, to better protect people in the vicinity.

When the heart is producing a survivable rhythm

4. Application of oxygen mask

When the casualty returns to spontaneous circulation and breathing and you’ve replaced the airway management device with an oxygen mask, place a surgical mask loosely over the oxygen mask to further reduce risk.

In addition to the above steps, rescuers should also wear face shields and KN95 masks, where possible, to provide further protection.

MedAire customers who use our medical kits will automatically receive this extra PPE in their next resupply order, as well as the inline filter, with instructions about how to fit it. Training will also be provided at your next MedAire Tune-Up Training.

By applying these extra precautions, rescuers are better protected against COVID-19 and other airborne viruses, when administering CPR.

To find out more about the products mentioned above, or for advice and guidance about onboard medical protocols and procedures, you can reach out to your Account Manager or contact us here.