Performing CPR and attempting to resuscitate the patient results in the spread of the virus, since droplets are expectorated. Doctors and nurses performing such procedures do not have proper PPE and putting their lives at risk.
It’s not an easy decision and it wasn’t made lightly. If our doctors and nurses become ill from performing CPR they will not be able to save the lives of others may die themselves. The goal is to save as many people as possible and once someone becomes so debilitated from COVID-19 that they need to be resuscitated, it’s unlikely they would have survived much longer anyway.
Again, to make such a decision isn’t simple. But we need to focus on saving people who can be saved without increasing the risk to healthcare workers.
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