Contamination During Aerosol-Generating Procedures in the ED

This simulation study underscores the importance of healthcare worker decontamination — even when wearing CDC-recommended personal protective equipment — after caring for patients with COVID-19.

Protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 is essential to ensure a sustainable workforce and prevent nosocomial transmission. Yet the personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for aerosol-generating procedures (N95 mask, eye protection, isolation gown, and gloves) leaves areas of skin and clothing exposed.

Researchers conducted a simulation study in which two physicians and two nurses participated in the simulated intubation of both an elderly man and a child with presumed COVID-19. Participants wore CDC-recommended PPE. Fluorescent dye was placed on each manikin's nose, mouth, hands, and chest to track dispersion. Two coughing fits were simulated during each case, using an…

Reviewing Author

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Contamination During Aerosol-Generating Procedures in the ED

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Reviewing Author