• P Wasik, G A McLeod, R Mountain, S Watts, H Briggs, N Maini, I Belford, B McGuire, W Brown, R Clark, I Eley, E Richardson, and P Stonebridge.
• Trainee Anesthetist, NHS Tayside, UK.
• Scot Med J. 2022 Nov 1; 67 (4): 189-195.

Background And AimsBystanders should be protected against aerosols, droplets, saliva, blood and vomitus during resuscitation after cardiac arrest The SARUS (safer - airway - resuscitation) CPR airway hood™ is a clear plastic cover and integrated mask that envelopes the head and torso. Our objectives were to test leakage using saline aerosol generation tests, then assess the performance of the hood during mock cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on a manikin.MethodsA checklist was validated by comparing the performance of 10 novices against 10 experts during mock resuscitation. Thereafter, 15 novices were tested with and without the hood, in a randomised cross-over study, one week apart.ResultsLaboratory analysis showed a > 99% reduction of saline particles detected 5 cm, 75 cm and 165 cm above volunteers wearing the hood. On manikins, experts scored better compared to novices, 8.5 (0.7) vs 7.6 (1.2), difference (95%CI) 0.9 (0.4-1.3), P = 0.0004. Novice performance was equivalent using the hood and standard equipment, 7.3 (1.4) vs 7.3 (1.1) respectively, difference (90%CI) 0.0 (-0.3 - 0.3), P = 0.90.ConclusionAerosol transmission reduced in the breathing zone. Simulated resuscitation by novices was equivalent with and without the hood.

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