The effect of using personal protective equipment and aerosol box in the emergency department on the intubation times

Background: Endotracheal intubation is a procedure commonly performed in the emergency department (ED). Endotracheal intubation poses a risk of exposure to infectious aerosol droplets. Aim: The present study aims to test the effect of using an aerosol box (AB) and personal protective equipment (PPE) on the intubation time while performing endotracheal intubation manikin. Subjects and Methods: The study participants (11 emergency specialists, 11 emergency physicians, and 11 general practitioners) performed endotracheal intubation on a training manikin in three different airway simulations. Simulation 1 had neither PPE nor AB, simulation 2 had PPE, and simulation 3 had both PPE and AB. The intubation times, the number of intubation attempts, and the discomfort caused by the AB were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of intubation attempts between the physicians according to their position and airway simulations (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference at all time points except for the time to endotracheal tube cuff inflation in three different airway simulations using PPE and an AB (p < 0.05). The median intubation times were longer using PPE and an AB. Conclusion: The use of PPE and an AB significantly increases the total intubation time.