Proposed technique for evaluation of endotracheal tube fixation and comparison of four fixation methods.

Background: The fixation of an endotracheal tube must be rapid in conditions involving numerous casualties, such as a chemical warfare (CW) situation. The tube also should be fixed and strong to prevent unplanned extubations.

Methods: We developed a technique for the evaluation of fixation methods.

The effect of full protective gear on intubation performance by hospital medical personnel.

Objective: To assess the influence of protective gear on intubation performance.

Design: Prospective, controlled measurement of duration and quality of intubations performed on mannequins by medical personnel with and without protective gear in a crossover design.

Participants: Eight teams each comprising an anesthesiologist and a nurse.

The effect of a chemical protective ensemble on intravenous line insertion by emergency medical technicians.

Protective gear is mandatory for medical personnel treating casualties in a contaminated environment. In the present study, we assessed the ability of emergency medical technicians to insert an intravenous line in this situation. Sixty emergency medical technicians were randomized to a control group, wearing fatigues, and a study group, wearing full protective gear.