Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support guidelines for people with disability: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Disability Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS) guidelines may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities.
• Care providers require specific information on adapting CPR and BLS for this population.
• Existing literature, policies, and procedures are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of available literature, policies, and procedures for delivering CPR and BLS to people with disabilities.
• To identify gaps in current guidelines and explore potential adaptations.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was performed using CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar.
• Keywords included disability, wheelchairs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support, and bystander CPR.
• 1119 papers were retrieved, screened, and 18 full-text articles were reviewed, with 5 meeting inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• The review identified five relevant articles: one case study, three expert opinion papers, and one intervention study.
• Four articles supported the need for improved CPR and BLS guidelines for people with disabilities.
• Three articles discussed techniques for supplementing standard CPR and BLS.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant lack of evidence regarding CPR and BLS delivery for individuals with disabilities.
• Further research is essential to develop tailored guidelines and interventions.
• Educators should discuss and provide ideas for adapting CPR and BLS for caregivers of people with disabilities in the interim.