Man who received CPR from Sunnyvale DPS and died tests negative for COVID-19
SUNNYVALE, Calif. (KTVU) - Authorities confirmed Friday night that the man who received CPR from Sunnyvale first responders, and who later died, did not test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The seven first responders were under home quarantine and placed on paid administrative leave after a what was thought to be a possible exposure to the virus.
The danger came on an emergency call and raised concerns for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.
Officers with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety on Thursday responded to a call regarding a person having some sort of cardiac emergency.
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Sunnyvale DPS Chief Phan Ngo said the officer performed CPR on the 72-year-old man who was unconscious and not breathing but unfortunately, he did not survive.
Authorities said the man had recently been on a cruise ship with two patients suspected of having COVID-19.
Sunnyvale DPS news conference on potential coronavirus exposure of officers
Sunnyvale DPS tried to perform CPR on a 72-year-old man on Thursday, but he died. During the emergency call, a family member said the man had recently been on a cruise ship where two passengers were suspected of having coronavirus. The officers were quarantined but have returned home. They do not have symptoms and the department is exceeding CDC guidelines and working with the county health department on this case.
“We have seen reports that the officers performed mouth to mouth. That did not happen. The officers follow EMS procedures when they perform CPR,” said Ngo during an evening news conference.
Fire responders are gearing up with protective smokes, gloves, glasses and a face shield, all designed to prevent infection.
“The protective equipment that our crews are using for a suspected COVID-19 infection are the same as anyone suspected of having a virus that’s transmitted by droplets," said Luisa Rapport, information specialist for the Santa Clara County Fire Department.