AusLeisure

Ahead of the holidays, updated guidance has been issued for basic life support adjustments in a living with COVID paradigm.

The guidance has been issued by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce, of which the Australian Resuscitation Council is a member, and was published on 14th December 2021.

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and the National Aquatic Industry Committee had sought clarification regarding rescue breathing and drowning victims, including children, as previous guidance recommended compression-only CPR. 

The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Guidance recommends that rescue breaths should be provided to all children and any drowning casualty and recommends that the rescuer uses a bag valve mask where available.

Advising that the guidance was welcome and provides greater clarity for paid and volunteer rescuers across the water safety sector and aquatic industry, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, Justin Scarr stated “the guidance issued by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce acknowledges that rescue breaths are critical in saving lives for drowning casualties and children who require basic life support.

“The importance of rescue breaths and considerations towards the safety of first responders has now been addressed. We desperately hope these are actions not needed at aquatic centres over summer.”

The guidance is available in this flowchart.

The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce
The Taskforce brings together the peak health professional bodies across Australia whose members are providing clinical care to people with COVID-19. The guidelines address questions that are specific to managing COVID-19 and cover the full disease course across mild, moderate, severe and critical illness. The Taskforce deploys considerable expertise to ensure every Australian clinician and first responder has access to a single source of trustworthy advice about critical aspects of COVID-19 care.

Click here for more information about the Taskforce.

For more information about the National Aquatic Industry Committee go to www.royallifesaving.com.au/Aquatic-Risk-and-Guidelines/aquatic-industry/national-aquatic-industry-committee

Related Articles

1st December 2021 - Victorian drowning report reveals tragedies behind highest drowning toll in 20 years

20th November 2021 - Widely reported near drowning at Adventure World shows need for child supervision in aquatic environments

11th November 2021 - Tragedy of toddler drowning claims lives of more than 500 young Australians

8th September 2021 - Lockdowns contribute to rise in Australian drowning deaths during past year

24th July 2021 - Life Saving bodies urge Australians to take action to end drowning on World Drowning Prevention Day

19th July 2021 - New data reveals dam drowning risk

13th May 2021 - Study highlights coastal drowning risk among visitors and recent overseas arrivals in South Australia

4th May 2021 - Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguards Association conference to explore reversing rising summer drowning toll

30th April 2021 - United Nations passes first ever Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention

9th April 2021 - Australian Water Safety Council seeks local government backing to help reduce drownings

25th March 2021 - New Water Safety Strategy sets out plan to significantly cut Australia’s drowning rate

15th March 2021 - Increase in summer drownings prompts plea from Surf Life Saving Australia

5th February 2021 - Broadbeach gym manager dies in Gold Coast drowning incident

25th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving Australia warns drowning deaths more likely on public holidays

25th October 2021 - National Aquatic Industry Committee releases updated guidelines for managing the risk of COVID-19 in aquatic facilities

14th September 2021 - Royal Life Saving and National Aquatic Industry Committee provides qualification extensions update

12th June 2020 - Royal Life Saving responds to questions on resuscitation during Coronavirus pandemic

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.