Giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a patient with HIV requires proper training and precautions to avoid disease transmission. As a healthcare provider, it is important to have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be prepared to administer CPR in an emergency. This article will discuss how to get BLS certified and prepare to safely perform CPR on an HIV positive patient.

Overview of HIV and Transmission Risks

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically CD4 cells, which help the immune system fight off infections. Over time, HIV destroys CD4 cells, weakening the immune system and making it harder for the body to fight off infections and disease. HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids including blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is transmitted is through unprotected sex, sharing needles or syringes, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. When providing CPR, precautions must be taken to avoid contact with patient's bodily fluids to prevent HIV transmission. Proper use of barriers and post-exposure prophylaxis can help reduce risk.

Getting BLS Certified for CPR

The American Heart Association's Basic Life Support (BLS) course teaches the skills needed to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in an emergency. BLS certification is recommended for all healthcare providers so they are prepared to act quickly in a medical crisis before emergency medical services arrive.

The American Academy of CPR & First Aid offers online BLS certification courses for healthcare professionals. The online course covers core knowledge and skills including:

  • Adult, child and infant CPR
  • Using an AED
  • Relieving choking 
  • Importance of early activation of emergency response system
  • Basic understanding of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems

The online course features videos, interactive activities, and simulations to engage learners. Students must pass an online exam with a score of 85% or higher to earn their BLS certification. The online BLS course is convenient, self-paced and meets OSHA and state regulations for CPR training. Healthcare professionals can get certified online through interactive lessons and earn their digital BLS certificate. Hands-on skills sessions with in-person or blended training options are also available for those who prefer practice with CPR manikins. However, the online course covers the knowledge portion required for certification.

Precautions for CPR on HIV Positive Patients

When performing CPR on an HIV positive patient, proper precautions must be taken to avoid contact with bodily fluids and potential disease transmission. Here are important steps for safely administering CPR to an HIV patient:

  • Wear disposable gloves - Always put on disposable latex or nitrile gloves before making contact with the patient. Gloves protect against exposure to HIV-infected blood or fluids. Change gloves if they become torn or contaminated.
  • Use a CPR mask or barrier - Use a CPR face mask, face shield or pocket mask with a one-way valve to prevent exposure to respiratory droplets. This creates a barrier between your mouth and the patient's.
  • Cover any cuts or open wounds - Make sure any wounds, cuts or sores on your hands are covered with bandages and gloves before administering CPR. Do not make direct contact with patient bodily fluids with open cuts or sores.
  • Limit direct contact - Only touch areas of the patient necessary to perform chest compressions and access the airway. Avoid unnecessary contact.
  • Perform compression-only CPR - If you are not comfortable giving rescue breaths, perform hands-only compression CPR. The 911 dispatcher can guide you through compression-only CPR until paramedics arrive.
  • Disinfect surfaces - After administering CPR, properly dispose of gloves and disinfect any surfaces contaminated with patient fluids using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene - Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after care. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
  • Get tested - If you are exposed to HIV-infected fluids, get tested for HIV as soon as possible. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be recommended to prevent infection.

By taking universal precautions, healthcare providers can safely deliver lifesaving CPR to an HIV patient in an emergency.

Preparing to Interact with HIV Patients

In addition to learning safe CPR skills, healthcare providers should understand how to interact with and care for HIV patients in a respectful, compassionate manner. Here are some tips: Educate yourself about HIV - Learn about HIV transmission, prevention, treatment options, and how HIV affects the lives of patients. Understand the medical, psychological, and emotional aspects.
Use person-first language - Refer to patients as "person with HIV" rather than "HIV patient." Don't define anyone solely by their disease.
Understand privacy rules - Patients' HIV status is confidential. Follow HIPAA privacy rules and only access medical information on a need-to-know basis.
Display cultural competency - Be aware of cultural norms, perspectives, and values in the HIV community. Avoid stereotypes or judgmental attitudes.
Treat the patient with dignity - Interact with HIV patients as you would any other patient. Provide appropriate, compassionate, person-centered care.
Know your facility's policies - Follow protocols at your healthcare facility related to HIV testing, confidentiality, infection control, treatment, etc.
Be prepared for occupational exposure - Know procedures for reporting and treating occupational exposure to HIV, such as needlesticks or contact with patient fluids. Get training on safety devices and protocols. With empathy, respect and understanding of HIV, healthcare providers can prepare themselves to interact with HIV patients in a professional, caring manner while safely performing CPR.

Additional Training Resources

The American Academy of CPR & First Aid offers online training resources for healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest CPR guidelines and emergency cardiovascular care:

  • ACLS Certification - Advanced Cardiac Life Support course for recognizing and intervening in cardiac arrest.
  • PALS Certification - Pediatric Advanced Life Support focused on treating respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies in infants and children.
  • First Aid Certification - Learn how to manage illnesses, injuries, bleeding, and environmental emergencies with adult and pediatric first aid training.
  • Bloodborne Pathogens - Training on preventing exposure to contaminated blood and bodily fluids.
  • BBP/HIV/AIDS Course - Combined training on bloodborne pathogens, HIV and AIDS tailored for the workplace.

Staying current on CPR, first aid and emergency care through online certification courses ensures healthcare providers have the knowledge and skills to administer lifesaving care to any patient, including those with HIV or other special needs. Proper training and precautions allow healthcare workers to respond rapidly and effectively in critical situations while keeping themselves and their patients safe.

Summary

  • HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Precautions must be taken when performing CPR to avoid disease transmission.
  • BLS certification teaches essential CPR skills and is recommended for all healthcare providers so they can act quickly in a medical emergency.
  • Take precautions like using gloves, CPR barriers and proper hand hygiene when performing CPR on an HIV positive patient. Limit direct contact and avoid exposure to bodily fluids.
  • Healthcare workers should educate themselves about HIV and provide culturally competent, dignified, person-centered care to HIV patients.
  • Additional training like ACLS, PALS and first aid is recommended to be able to effectively respond to various emergencies and special patient populations.

The American Academy of CPR & First Aid offers fully online certification courses in BLS, ACLS, PALS, first aid, bloodborne pathogens and more. By staying up-to-date on the latest protocols and guidelines, healthcare professionals can be prepared to administer safe, effective CPR and emergency cardiovascular care to any patient in need.

Contributor: admin