About AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

AHA Recommendation

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says no scientific evidence shows that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is transmitted by saliva. The American Heart Association doesn't know of anyone getting AIDS from contact with a manikin used in CPR training, or from giving CPR to a cardiac arrest victim.

The recommendations in our publication, Instructor's Manual for Basic Life Support, should be strictly followed. For information on ordering, visit www.cpr-ecc.americanheart.org.

We endorse the recommendations on AIDS protection for healthcare workers published by the CDC. The CDC suggests that healthcare workers' employers and physicians should determine how to protect workers from AIDS patients' body fluids. And because AIDS infection can't be identified with certainty, precautions should be taken with all patients.

Face masks with one-way valves are recommended for trained rescuers who give CPR to people who may have infectious diseases. When CPR isn't done by a trained professional, it's usually done by a member of the immediate family. In this case, chances are good that the person's health status is known. A rescuer who knows the status and feels safe should not be reluctant to give CPR.

source:www.americanheart.org