COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Paramedics are at the frontline of healthcare delivery, including during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The virus poses specific problems for paramedics. These involve treating and transporting infected patients, as well as considerations around decontamination and disinfection of ambulances and medical equipment. All respiratory infections should be considered COVID-19 until proven otherwise so paramedics should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE consists of gloves, gowns, aprons, surgical face masks, protective eyewear and face shields. Paramedics should receive training and guidance on PPE so they can select and use it properly. The type and level of PPE used will depend on the level of protection required, and risk should be assessed. Widespread testing will give a clearer picture of the incidence and distribution of the virus.

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrom coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The virus poses specific problems for cardiac nurses, with nurses being at the frontline of healthcare delivery. These issues not only involve treating and caring for cardiac patients with the virus, but also include the need to continue routine cardiac interventions during the pandemic. Many cardiac interventions are invasive, requiring close patient contact. As such, these interventions pose significant infection risks. To mitigate against these risks, cardiac nurses should follow established infection control guidelines and wear personal protective equipment where appropriate. Ongoing research is also demonstrating the usefulness of COVID-19 testing, the results of which will aid in the detection of the virus and enable any self-isolating nurses to return to work, where appropriate.

Any medical emergency resulting in a compromised airway will require emergency airway management, but subsequent continued airway support and artificial mechanical ventilation may also be needed. This article explores some of the common mechanical ventilation strategies and modes used during the COVID-19 pandemic and will discuss why coronary care nurses need to be familiar with these.

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