Saturday April 25, 2020
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In times of minimum distance and exit restrictions, people are unsure how to behave correctly in the event of an emergency or an accident. Therefore, ntv.de clarifies whether, for example, mouth-to-mouth ventilation is still reasonable today.
Helping in emergencies is every citizen’s duty. But how do you behave correctly in times of the coronavirus epidemic? How can you avoid your own infection or that of the person you want to help? And what about maintaining the minimum distance? These and similar questions are sure to be asked many.
The risk of infection in the Corona crisis does not change anything, such as having to help in the event of an accident in traffic. Basic first aid training is a basic requirement if you want to take a driver’s license test. The exact legal text This means: Anyone who does not provide assistance in the event of an accident or a general danger or need, although this is necessary and can be reasonably expected, in particular without significant personal risk and without violating other important obligations, will be punished with a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine (Criminal Code Section 323c).
Nevertheless, it is always about assessing the reasonableness in the respective situation. Making an emergency call and securing the scene of the accident is therefore reasonable for most people, since they do not endanger themselves. However, the assessment of reasonableness becomes much more difficult if rescue measures have to be carried out on people in need of help. Here the principle applies: In direct contact, it is important that neither the helpers themselves nor the victims are exposed to an additional danger. If available, disposable gloves, which should be part of every car first-aid kit, should therefore be worn before the first contact.
If possible, wear mouth and nose protection
In times of the rampant coronavirus, it is recommended for both victims and helpers to wear mouth-nose protection if the person seeking help is conscious and breathing. Performing mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose ventilation by lay people is not absolutely necessary as a rescue measure for an unconscious person without regular breathing. Nevertheless, according to the currently adapted rules of conduct of International Resuscitation Council (ILCOR) that cardiac massage combined with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a young victim is classified as reasonable for a young person. If, on the other hand, older people are involved, ventilation should be avoided, but the chest compressions should be continued until the professional help called in arrives. The distance requirement is thus canceled.
If you want to be on the safe side as a helper, you should leave your contact details with the emergency services. If an infectious disease is later found in the victim, the helper can be informed and take appropriate measures. Helpers should also pay attention to washing and, if possible, disinfecting the hands shortly after the help.
By the way: The state of New York, which has had the highest number of deaths within the United States to date, is currently issuing new guidelines for emergency workers, reports the “New York PostAccording to the health authority, trained first aiders should not carry out any resuscitation measures for people with cardiac arrest.
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