A proposal of a cheap and simple method of medical personnel protection for endotracheal intubation of patients with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional risks to healthcare providers, especially those who perform aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) like endotracheal intubation. Endotracheal intubation is one of the procedures mostly generating aerosol and, therefore, requiring full protection of medical personnel against the infection. Material and Methods In this paper, basing on a literature review, the recommended intubation procedure is presented together with recommendations for personal protection during intubation. Additionally, a proposal of a simple and cheap protective barrier is described against spreading aerosol outside the intubation area. The aim was to propose a simple and cheap method to increase the safety of medical personnel performing AGPs in patients infected or suspected of being infected with COVID-19, which could be easily introduced into clinical practice. Results The presented method is the authors’ own idea, based on their experience gathered from working in an operating room. Judging from their clinical experience, the presented method is effective and safe for patients. Conclusions Endotracheal intubation is one of the most common AGPs and adequate actions must be taken in order to protect medical personnel against the infection and to prevent the spreading of aerosol around the intubation area. The proposed barrier is easy to set with disposable materials and standard equipment available in every operating room. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):301–5

Keywords

• intubation
• infection
• personal protective equipment
• airway management
• covid-19
• intubation barrier