During the cardiac massage a mask or a cloth on the face of the person to be revived but no mouth-to-mouth breathing, if not for children: the Covid epidemic also changes the first aid procedures. From those for obstruction of the pathways to those for cardiac arrest or drowning, resuscitation maneuvers, in fact, can expose you to infection. For this reason the Ministry of Health has published the "National indications for the containment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in first aid operations and for the training of rescuers". The circular introduces interim changes to the resuscitation protocols and plans to perform "chest compressions only without ventilation", ie avoid "mouth-mouth or mouth-nose" breathing.
The only exception is the rescue of children and infants: international recommendations "have highlighted how ventilation is an important discriminant in maneuvers to combat pediatric arrest", since it is often made necessary by an obstruction of the pathways. Therefore, in this case, this complete maneuver can be performed.
In general, it is recommended for the non-health worker rescuer in this pandemic period "to check the state of consciousness and the presence of breath without approaching the victim's face" and to alert the rescuers early. Cardiac massage should also be done considering the person to be rescued as "potentially infected" and the rescuers "must use personal protective equipment suitable to avoid exposure to aerosols generated by the procedures". During these cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers therefore, "it is advisable to place a mask or a towel on the face of the person to be rescued, in order to avoid the possible escape of droplets". In the event that a victim must be rescued from drowning at sea, finally, the rescue operation must be worn with "mask and snorkel" to "minimize the transmission of respiratory secretions".