With the emergence of the fast spreading Omicron variant, the American Heart Association (AHA), in association with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association for Respiratory Care, the Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, have released updated interim guidance for basic and advanced cardiac life support in adults, children, and neonates with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

The guidance has been updated with the aim to emphasize complete protection of healthcare providers who perform resuscitation. The interim guidance includes the recent CDC and WHO guidance. It states that all healthcare providers must wear a respirator, such as N95, besides other PPE, like gown, gloves, and eye protection, for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection while performing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) or in a setting where such procedures are performed routinely.

The interim guidance reinforces resuscitation best practices. It recommends performing chest compressions as soon as it is safely possible. The guidance also emphasizes on ensuring adequate PPE supply.

The guidance was published online January 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes… (Medscape)