Best Practices in Managing Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to cardiac complications including an increasing incidence of cardiac arrest. The resuscitation of these patients requires a conscious effort to minimize the spread of the virus. We present a best-practice model based in 4 guiding principles: Reduce the risk of exposure to the entire health care team Decrease the number of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) Utilize a small resuscitation team to limit potential exposure Consider early termination of resuscitative efforts