Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a newly emergent coronavirus. While most people with COVID-19 develop only mild or uncomplicated illness, approximately 14% develop severe disease that requires hospitalization and oxygen support, and 5% require admission to an intensive care unit as per WHO. American Heart Association (AHA) has published  guidance modules for non-ICU doctors who are caring for such patients needing oxygenation and ventilation.

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The already overwhelmed healthcare system in India is facing a daunting challenge of identifying enough number of qualified heath care workers to take care of the growing number of COVID-19 patients. Doctors from all specialities have stepped up and are volunteering to help beyond their area of expertise, especially assisting in the critical care unit with critically ill patients requiring respiratory assistance.

To assist in that effort, the American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the American Association of Respiratory Care and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, has released four training modules designed to teach healthcare professionals the basics of oxygenation and ventilation management for COVID-19 patients.

Comilla Sasson, MD, PhD, Vice President of science and innovation for emergency cardiovascular care at the AHA, said in a statement,

"Because COVID-19 patients will have respiratory problems and even respiratory failure, the American Heart Association considered it important to provide all health professionals with the opportunity to quickly learn the basics of oxygenation and ventilation management and be able to access this information when you need it most."