Have you ever been watching an emergency scene in a movie with a stranger giving mouth-to-mouth CPR and thought to yourself, “Well, that seems risky. What about germs?!” You’re not alone.
While medical dramas showcase the life-saving power of CPR, they often neglect to address the elephant in the room – how do you protect yourself from germ transmission while administering CPR? Fortunately, barrier devices exist to keep you safe during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Time for a scenario…
You’re walking down the street one day when you find someone who looks like they are in distress. You hurry over and it is clear that they are having a medical emergency. It appears as though they have collapsed suddenly and you can see that they are unconscious. Their breathing is laboured, almost non-existent. You know that this person needs life-saving breaths and CPR… and fast.
You understand that your response to this situation could mean the difference between life and death. In the moment, however, your mind is swirling. You get a bit squeamish at the thought of germs in the best of circumstances, so the idea of doing mouth-to-mouth with a stranger is making you feel a bit panicked. You know you have to act quickly, but are feeling reluctant about risking your own safety.
Barrier devices are built for situations exactly like this.
What Is A Barrier Device?
A barrier device is a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect public responders from potential exposure to bacteria and infectious disease during mouth-to-mouth CPR. Barrier devices effectively limit transmission by (quite literally) creating a barrier between the rescuer and the patient. The barrier consists of a one-way breathing valve that allows the rescuer to deliver air to the patient, while simultaneously protecting the rescuer from any bodily fluids and air coming back up through the tube.
There are typically two types of portable barrier devices available to the public:
Face Shield
A face shield is a water-tight, tough plastic sheet with a built-in mouthpiece that acts as a one-way valve or filter. The face shield is simply laid atop the patient’s mouth and nose during CPR. One end of the mouthpiece is inserted into the patient’s mouth while the rescuer blows air into the other end. The flat plastic stays between rescuer and patient.
These barrier devices are small and flexible, making them easy to carry in a bag or on a keyring.
Face Mask
A pocket face mask is a molded, plastic mask that fits over the face and is equipped with a longer one-way valve. If applied correctly, a face mask will create a seal during resuscitation through the use of an inflated bladder that sits on the patient’s face. The mask stays secure by a strap that goes over the patient’s head. The rescuer blows air into the one-way valve, which fills the sealed mask with oxygen for the patient.
What If I’m Still Uncomfortable Giving Mouth-To-Mouth CPR, Even With A Barrier Device?
As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to cause issues around the world, people are concerned about germ transmission now more than ever. The last thing we want is to let discomfort stand in the way of saving a life. Fortunately, there is another method of CPR that is effective.
Compression-only CPR
Compression-only CPR or “hands-only” CPR is exactly what it sounds like – no breaths, just compressions. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends the following these steps when administering hands-only CPR:
- Check for signs of cardiac arrest: Do not listen or feel for breathing by placing your ear and cheek close to the person’s mouth, simply observe the person’s breathing.
- Call 9-1-1
- Prevent contamination: Lay a cloth, towel, or clothing over the person’s mouth and nose to prevent any potential spread through contaminated air or saliva.
- Provide hands-only CPR: Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest with one hand on top of the other. Think of the beat of Stayin’ Alive or about 100-120 beats per minute. Don’t stop until the ambulance arrives. Do not give rescue breaths. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will coach you if necessary.
- Use an AED if available: AEDs are safe and simple to use. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
Ensuring your safety during CPR is crucial. Not only do barrier devices provide important protection during mouth-to-mouth CPR, but they also create an increased sense of comfort. The more comfortable and prepared you are, the higher the likelihood that you will act with less resistance.
For more information on how to respond to an emergency situation, click here.
