Plastic Design, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high quality machined plastic components for the medical and pharmaceutical industry. We are well-versed in the stringent regulations and requirements for equipment used in these industries and pride ourselves on providing products that meet and exceed those standards. During the current COVID crisis, Plastic Design has stepped up to provide intubation boxes for the safety of patients and healthcare workers on the front lines.
What Are Intubation Boxes?
Patients with COVID-19 who experience respiratory distress often require intubation, in which a tube is placed into a patient’s airway to assist with breathing. The intubation process requires healthcare workers to stand close to the patient’s face. Since intubation usually causes patients to cough, workers are at increased risk of infection due to their proximity. Intubation boxes mitigate the risk by providing a protective barrier around the patient’s head and shoulders. They are designed with two holes so that workers can perform intubation procedures without the heightened risk of infection.
Intubation boxes are easily sanitized and portable, so they can be used on multiple patients undergoing intubation procedures, with thorough disinfection between uses. For the safety of both patients and healthcare workers, it is essential that intubation boxes be used properly.
- Ensure that the intubation box has been thoroughly cleaned after prior use to prevent the spread of disease to care workers and other patients.
- When using an intubation box, wear full PPE equipment, including goggles, face masks, gowns, and gloves. The box reduces the amount of virus that escapes on small water droplets when the patient coughs or gasps, but does not completely block it.
- Place the intubation box over the head and shoulders of the patient so that any expectoration is directed at the shield. The primary opening should be toward the body of the patient, with holes on either side of the patient for access. Sleeves can be attached to the arm holes for added protection.
- Use the access holes to intubate the patient using either direct intubation or a Glidescope for easy insertion.
- If the box interferes with the intubation process, remove it so you can manage the patient’s needs.
- Once you have completed the procedure, the box can easily be removed from around the patient’s head and shoulders. Sanitize thoroughly with a strong disinfectant such as 70% alcohol or bleach. Dispose of any sleeves or drapes after the procedure is complete.
Benefits of Intubation Boxes
Since COVID-19 spreads easily via water droplets launched into the air through coughs, sneezes, and labored breathing, it is important for healthcare workers to have a barrier between themselves and the patients they are intubating. Intubation boxes offer numerous benefits for these workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Protection
Intubation boxes offer an added layer of protection to high-risk workers in the medical and emergency care fields.
Reusable
Because they are reusable, medical facilities will save money that can be used for other lifesaving resources. They can also be cleaned quickly and efficiently, for easy reuse in fast-paced emergency situations.
Easy to Assemble
In medical facilities, time is of the essence. Intubation boxes are easy to assemble and can be put into use as soon as they are sanitized for an added layer of protection that medical and emergency workers can set up quickly and easily.
Reliable Intubation Boxes from Plastic Design, Inc.
Plastic Design, Inc. is dedicated to providing reliable, user-friendly protective equipment for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on our intubation boxes, view our brochure or contact us today to request a quote.