• I Hendler, O Nahtomi, E Segal, A Perel, M Wiener, and J Meyerovitch.
• Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
• Mil Med. 2000 Apr 1; 165 (4): 272-4.

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of protective gear on intubation performance.DesignProspective, controlled measurement of duration and quality of intubations performed on mannequins by medical personnel with and without protective gear in a crossover design.ParticipantsEight teams each comprising an anesthesiologist and a nurse.ResultsIntubation duration with and without chemical warfare gear was 69.2 +/- 7 and 47.3 +/- 6 seconds (mean +/- SEM), respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, rating of intubation quality as "very good" by the anesthesiologists declined significantly from 62.5% without chemical warfare protective gear to 6.25% with the garment and mask. Tube fixation was the rate-limiting step when performed with protective gear (p < 0.05); it was assessed by 81% of the anesthesiologists as the critical step. A learning curve was not observed during the study.ConclusionProtective gear causes a significant prolongation of intubation duration; however, endotracheal intubation can be performed effectively. Technical improvements are warranted for tube fixation because it is the critical step.

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