What should you do if the patient is an adult with confirmed COVID-19?

Using hands-only CPR for an adult with confirmed COVID-19 is the recommended approach due to the nature of the virus, which spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. Unlike conventional CPR, which includes rescue breaths, hands-only CPR focuses on providing high-quality chest compressions without the potential risk of airborne transmission that can result from delivering breaths directly. This method not only minimizes the exposure risk to the responder but also maintains vital blood circulation to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives or the situation changes.

In contexts where there is known or suspected COVID-19, the emphasis on minimizing aerosol-generating procedures, such as providing rescue breaths, is crucial. This helps protect both the responder and bystanders from possible infection while still delivering essential lifesaving interventions. Therefore, using hands-only CPR aligns with current health guidelines during the pandemic, ensuring a balance between effective care and safety protocols.