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How to Intubate Suspected COVID-19 Patients With a Protective Box

By David C. Weech DO, MBA; and John Ashurst DO, MSc, FACEP, FACOEP | on May 19, 2020 | 0 Comment
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PHOTOS: David Weech & John Ashurst
UPDATE: Modification Can Improve Safety of Intubation Boxes
A tool used by doctors and nurses to protect themselves from the coronavirus is flawed but a modification can improve it, researchers say. To insert breathing tubes into patients, clinicians have been placing plexiglass boxes over patients’ head and shoulders to contain any virus particles the patients might emit; the doctors then slip their hands through holes in the sides. But aerosols that can contain virus particles are leaking out, researchers reported in Annals of Emergency Medicine. Using a test aerosol the size of virus-containing particles, they compared a commercially available plexiglass intubation box to a modified box with a vacuum system to filter the air. Aerosols in the surrounding air “significantly exceeded allowable safety levels” with the typical box but were fully contained by the addition of a vacuum and air filtration, they said. The researchers have applied for Early Use Authorization for their modified box, which they say could also be used to isolate awake COVID-19 patients on ships and in medical facilities.—Reuters News

Editors’ Note: This article was accepted on April 6, 2020, and was accurate at that time. Because information about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, please verify these recommendations and information.

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ACEP Now: Vol 39 – No 05 – May 2020

Here, we will itemize the process that was implemented in our emergency department for high-risk intubations of patients suspected of having SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The principal factors in establishing a formal protocol focused on limiting exposure of health care workers and minimizing unnecessary personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization. The major adaptation is the construction and implementation of a protective intubation box in an attempt to reduce circulated viral aerosolized particles during the intubation process.

PPE

Once it is established that the patient will be intubated, the most experienced physician, registered nurse, and respiratory therapist proceed to don PPE. They proceed in this order: small shoe covers, white coverall zip-up suit if available, boot covers, one set of gloves, Tyvek gown, second set of gloves, N95, bouffant cap, neck cover, and face shield (this may be substituted for a hood). Once PPE is in place, they proceed into a negative pressure room with all necessary medications and equipment for the procedure. This should include post-intubation sedation and pain medications.

Setup

Figure 1 (LEFT): Simulated COVID-19 patient covered by protective intubation box.

Figure 1 (LEFT): Simulated COVID-19 patient covered by protective intubation box.

Ideally, each individual involved with the intubation should have a counterpart of their discipline outside the room as backup. Place the intubation box over the patient prior to the patient moving to a negative pressure room if they are not already there to decrease viral spread (see Figure 1). Intubation tools may be placed next to the patient’s head prior to placing the protective intubation box or placed through the access hole at the cephalad portion of the box. Necessary tools include: large forceps with protective cover over teeth to clamp the endotracheal tube after confirmed placement, endotracheal tube and stylet with 10-cc syringe attached, and video laryngoscope.

Pages: 1 2 3 | Single Page

Topics: coronavirusCOVID-19IntubationPPE

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