Mount Sinai Hospital Critical Care Unit
SARS Resources
 | Main Page |
| Protected Code Blue |
| Personal Protection Systems |
| Educational Resources |
| Links & Literature |
These materials have been developed to assist health care providers caring for patients with SARS. We are pleased to host online resources developed by the Greater Toronto Area Critical Care/Emergency Medicine Advisory Group. Be aware that knowledge about SARS-related patient care changes frequently as the current outbreak evolves. Please check the site frequently for updates.
LATEST UPDATES
- MSH Procedures/checklists for using 3M PAPR system
- Procedure for cleaning 3M PAPR unit after use
- Protected Code Blue Demonstration
- Airborne transmission of SARS - New Engl J Med report
- Possible SARS reported in Taiwan and China - April 2004
- New Ontario MOH directives
- SARSwatch.ca
There are numerous infection control concerns that arise during acute resuscitation of patients under SARS precautions. Resuscitation requires performance of high-risk procedures (e.g., intubation, chest tube insertion). Time needed to don additional personal protective equipment may introduce delays in response. The need to provide best care for the patient must be integrated with the need to protect health care workers.
There are two levels of personal protection required in caring for patients under SARS precautions. Standard protection for routine care of patients with SARS usually includes double gowning, double gloves, N95 mask, eye protection, face shield, and head covering (these recommendations are determined by provincial directive and in consultation with local infection control officials). Despite these standard precautions, certain high-risk procedures (e.g., intubation, cardiac arrest, bronchoscopy) have been associated with breakthrough transmission of SARS to health care workers. Adjunct protective equipment is recommended for these high-risk procedures in patients with SARS. Issues related to personal protection, including choices of adjunct protective equipment, are discussed on this site.
Powered air purifying respirators are devices that use a combination fan/filter unit to deliver HEPA-filtered air to the wearer. The wearer typically wears a full hood that extends down to mid-chest. Since the air is delivered at a pressure higher than the external environment, there is a continuous flow of air out of the hood to discourage entrainment of contaminated air.
Helmet-based personal protection systems use fans built into a helmet to circulate air underneath a hood made of filter material. Air circulates through the hood filter to ensure a continuous fresh supply of filtered air and removal of carbon dioxide from under the hood. Combination gown/hoods are available. The hood filter is disposed after use which eases decontamination of equipment.
For further information
contact: Dr. Randy Wax, Education Director
Room 1831, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M5G 1X5
This site is hosted by the Technology Application Unit