CPR Guidelines During COVID-19 | St. John Ambulance

Update - Expired First Aid Training Certificates

Expired First Aid Training Certificates Effective September 15, 2020 St. John Ambulance Alberta will no longer honour a grace period for recertification of expired first aid certificates or extended completion period of the blended in-class assessments for certification. Six of our seven St. John Training Centres are now open in the Province. Our Fort McMurray location is currently providing classes in a temporary location due to flood damage to our Training Centre.

CPR during COVID-19

Read guidelines to performing CPR during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Resumption of in-class training - Covid-19

St. John Ambulance is pleased to announce our business resumption plan for in-class training. Starting on May 25, 2020, our Edmonton location will be piloting the in-class training in accordance with the policies and guidance from the Province of Alberta. On June 1, we will continue a phased-in approach across our other 6 locations.

CPR Guidelines During COVID-19

Should the need arise to perform CPR during the current COVID-19 pandemic on any individual, the guidelines below should be applied. Please keep in mind that each situation will be unique:

1. The first aider should always protect themselves. This means using the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a CPR mask with a one-way valve. We cannot stress the importance of PPE enough in every situation that involves CPR.

2. If the first aider does not feel comfortable breathing into the patient, while using a mask, they are encouraged to perform hands-only CPR.

3. If you are a healthcare provider, follow your local jurisdiction protocols.

It is worth mentioning that COVID-19, while new, is not the only pathogen that a first aider may come across in a first aid situation. Caution should always be exercised when assisting a casualty due to any number of possible pathogens. The use of PPE should be employed whenever possible while performing CPR in any situation.