How do I intubate a patient with COVID-19?
Self protection is of highest importance!!
The decision to intubate should be made early. Attempts of stabilizing patients using non-invasive ventilation (NIV) should not delay the time point of intubation when necessary. Try to avoid emergency intubations.
If possible, intubation should be performed by the most experienced team member.
- Self protection: Wear FFP3 mask, face shield, full head protection, (at least!) 2 pairs of gloves, surgical gown and water proof apron.
- Preparation: Standard monitoring, i.v. access, ETCO2 (if available), video laryngoscope, appropriate airway filters.
- Preoxygenation: 5 min. over tightly fitting mask. Avoid NIV (aerosols)
- Rapid sequence intubation: full relaxation of patient, use videolaryngoscope to reduce forming aerosols.