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With the 2020 pandemic, we are learning more about the side effects of COVID-19. One of those side effects is blood clots. One thing we teach in CPR/First Aid classes is signs and symptoms of a stroke which is drooping of the face/ weakness, slurred speech and headaches. The Novel Corona Virus is a little different in blood clots. The clots that are forming are forming in different places such as arms and legs as well as the lungs.
Blood clots have the ability to slow down the flow of blood or completely stop it. Some things you can look for when assessing an individual or yourself even is aches, bruising, cramping that seems like muscle cramps. These are indicators that someone could be experiencing a clot. Many people will be prescribed blood thinners but we need to know for sure it is a clot and not a potential aneurysm. Aneurysm’s are wakening and bulging of arteries that can cause a massive bleed internally which should be seeking medical attention right away. These type issues are deadly and need to be prevented.
We had one poor patient that had developed bilateral pulmonary embolism which is blood clots in both lungs. This can cause significant issues with breathing and shortness of breath. If you know of someone who may be in this position be sure to protect yourself first. Wear your appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and if the person loses consciousness, be sure to assess quickly and efficiently. Opting for compression only CPR during the pandemic is very acceptable and appropriate.
If you feel as you have some unexplained aches and pains, please do not discount it. It may be a simple pain but that could be a blood clot if you have had a diagnosis of COVID. You will need to seek medical attention right away.
Should you run into a person that has collapsed and assessing them leads to you needing to do CPR, then immediately put yourself first and take every precaution necessary. Prior to 2020 we were not living in a pandemic and the through process of most people did not think about communicable diseases first. We have lived with it long enough in 2020 that most people know that COVID is highly contagious. Place your hands on the center of the chest and push hard and fast and keep the rate of 100-120 compressions per minute until someone else with as much or more training take over, you are too exhausted to continue or there is an obvious sign of life.
Take care of yourself, heed the warnings to wear you PPE and wash your hands often. Take a class that is practicing social distancing and maintaining equipment appropriate to keep everyone free of COVID.
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Barbara Jackson worked through college as a non-traditional student earning her Master of Science degree in health science focusing in health education. Barbara then went on to set for her national credential exam in 2011 earning her CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) credential as well as being a Licensed Training Provider. Barbara has found her calling as a teacher and began working as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and became a CPR instructor for the Red Cross in 2007, since this time she has earned her teaching credential for American Heart Association and National Safety Council. Barbara is also an adjunct instructor for Arkansas Tech University teaching Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR courses.
More articles by the writer
With the 2020 pandemic, we are learning more about the side effects of COVID-19. One of those side effects is blood clots. One thing we teach in CPR/First Aid classes is signs and symptoms of a stroke which is drooping of the face/ weakness, slurred speech and headaches. The Novel Corona Virus is a little different in blood clots. The clots that are forming are forming in different places such as arms and legs as well as the lungs.
Blood clots have the ability to slow down the flow of blood or completely stop it. Some things you can look for when assessing an individual or yourself even is aches, bruising, cramping that seems like muscle cramps. These are indicators that someone could be experiencing a clot. Many people will be prescribed blood thinners but we need to know for sure it is a clot and not a potential aneurysm. Aneurysm’s are wakening and bulging of arteries that can cause a massive bleed internally which should be seeking medical attention right away. These type issues are deadly and need to be prevented.
We had one poor patient that had developed bilateral pulmonary embolism which is blood clots in both lungs. This can cause significant issues with breathing and shortness of breath. If you know of someone who may be in this position be sure to protect yourself first. Wear your appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and if the person loses consciousness, be sure to assess quickly and efficiently. Opting for compression only CPR during the pandemic is very acceptable and appropriate.
If you feel as you have some unexplained aches and pains, please do not discount it. It may be a simple pain but that could be a blood clot if you have had a diagnosis of COVID. You will need to seek medical attention right away.
Should you run into a person that has collapsed and assessing them leads to you needing to do CPR, then immediately put yourself first and take every precaution necessary. Prior to 2020 we were not living in a pandemic and the through process of most people did not think about communicable diseases first. We have lived with it long enough in 2020 that most people know that COVID is highly contagious. Place your hands on the center of the chest and push hard and fast and keep the rate of 100-120 compressions per minute until someone else with as much or more training take over, you are too exhausted to continue or there is an obvious sign of life.
Take care of yourself, heed the warnings to wear you PPE and wash your hands often. Take a class that is practicing social distancing and maintaining equipment appropriate to keep everyone free of COVID.
Vlad Magdalin
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