Verification of Expected Death Protocol during COVID-19 Pandemic
Guidelines issued by Hospice UK regarding the verification of expected adult death during the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), specific equipment like stethoscope and pen torch, and a detailed procedure for observing and verifying death signs. The process emphasizes safety, minimizing contamination risks, and proper disposal of equipment post-procedure.
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Verification of expected death during COVID-19 Pandemic MARTLETS HOSPICE
Hospice UK Guidelines Based on Hospice UK Special Edition: Care After Death: Registered Nurse Verification of Expected Adult Death (RNVoEAD) Guidance. Updated 28 April 2020. https://www.hospiceuk.org/docs/default-source/What-We-Offer/Care-Support- Programmes/Care-after-death/rnvoead-special-covid-19-edition- final_2.pdf?sfvrsn=2
PPE As per current PHE guidance Standard PPE Gloves Apron Mask Visor Donning and doffing
Equipment (in addition to PPE) *Pen torch *Stethoscope *Watch with second hand 1 extra pair of clean disposable gloves Single use, small clean disposable sheet 2 small disposable waste bags Alcohol hand gel This equipment should be wiped with 70% alcohol wipes prior to the procedure.
Procedure Individual should be observed for total of 5 minutes Note change in order of examination to minimise contamination of equipment 1. Open clean disposable sheet onto a cleaned surface, place stethoscope and pen torch onto the sheet. 2. Lie patient flat 3. Leave all tubes, lines, drains, medication patches and pumps, etc. in situ and spigot off as appropriate 4. Verification
1) Heart Sounds - using stethoscope. Place stethoscope on clean sheet 2) Neurological response test both eyes for absence of pupillary response to light. Place pen torch back on clean sheet. 3) Respiratory Effort - observe for any signs of respiratory effort over the five minutes. Do look at chest wall, Do not place your ear near to the person s nose/mouth to listen for breathing (to avoid any risk of contamination) Verification 4) Central Pulse - palpate for a central pulse, if necessary through the clothing/night clothes. 5) Motor response - after five minutes of continued cardiorespiratory arrest, test for the absence of motor response with the trapezius squeeze Any spontaneous return of cardiac or respiratory activity during this period of observation should prompt a further five minutes observations and repeat verification process
To complete Remove gloves and after performing hand hygiene, don clean pair of gloves Clean stethoscope and pen torch with 70% alcohol wipes Place in clean bag Doff all PPE and place in waste bag
