Investigation of the effect of types of two different air filtered full-face masks used in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) events on endotracheal intubation time: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

IntroductionHealthcare personnel may have to intervene with the injured using personal protective equipment depending on the environmental conditions.In injuries occurring in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) events, healthcare personnel may have to intervene in the injured using personal protective equipment.The equipment used may lead to limitations, especially in cases requiring advanced airway intervention such as intubation. In this study, the effects of personal protective equipment on the intubation times of healthcare personnel were investigated. MethodThis research was planned as a randomized prospective study, and the intubation procedure was performed on a simulation manikin. The intubation times were evaluated among three separate groups, 21 paramedic personnel in each. One group worked without masks, one used front filter masks, and the last worked with side filter masks. ResultsThe time spent for intubation by wearing a full-face mask with a side air filter and the intubation times performed without a mask were significantly different (p = 0.011). However, the intubation times of the groups using front and side air-filtered full-face masks were similar (p = 0.279). ConclusionsHealth personnel should use a full-face mask with a front air filter as personal protective equipment during the interventions for the injured who need endotracheal intubation.