Simulation of healthcare provider's safety on emergency transportation using advanced airway: extension tube usage or not

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare providers are exposed to risky environments during prehospital transportation when they give O₂ supply to patients. This study examined the problems with risky environments during prehospital transportation and suggests safe and efficient O₂ supply methods through extension tube simulation. METHODS: Fifty-seven volunteers participated the study. The volunteer's back angle was measured during transportation simulation. This study measured the grip strength difference and forearm circumference difference in two situations. Without an extension tube and with extension tube, the participants measured the grip strength and forearm circumference before and after giving an O₂ supply to the mannequin for 5 minutes. The participants replied which body part showed the most discomfort. RESULTS: In the without extension tube group, participants leaned forward on average. On the other hand, the mean of anterior angle was 0° with an extension tube group. Without an extension tube, the grip strength decreased by whereas it decreased by with an extension tube. The decrease in grip strength was similar in both groups (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the forearm circumference. With the extension tube, 43.9% of participants reported no discomfort when they gave an O₂ supply. CONCLUSION: The extension tube improved the healthcare provider's safety and O₂ supply convenience during pre-hospital transportation.