Proper respirators use is crucial for protecting both emergency first aid responder and casualty from covid-19 and airborne-transmitted infections

we believe it is more prudent that in case of emergency, both lay and medical rescuers use respirators without EV, except when hospital HCWs assist patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Educational efforts, implementing fit testing and seal checking of masks, organizational measures as well as using appropriate PPEs are needed to offer safe emergency interventions to rescuer and casualty for this and other airborne-transmitted diseases.