Title
Output Type
Speciality
Published
Title
The SARUS (safer - airway - resuscitation) - CPR hood™ to protect first responders from biohazards
Output Type
SHTG Innovative Medical Technology Overview
Speciality
Ear, nose and throat, Respiratory system, Infectious disease, COVID-19
Published
29 October 2021
Key findings
A small, unpublished randomised crossover trial, found that the technical tasks of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using a manikin were conducted equally well with the SARUS-CPR hoodTM employed when compared with the use of standard CPR equipment. The time taken to complete the first three chest compressions was longer when using the SARUS-CPR hoodTM (63 seconds compared with 42 seconds for standard CPR equipment).
In unpublished experiments using aerosol particles, less than 1% of particle concentration was detected at the breathing zone of the resuscitator. This may indicate protection from aerosol-borne viral and bacterial infections. The SARUS-CPR hoodTM also offers protection from contamination of skin and eyes by large coughed droplets, saliva, blood and vomitus.
Potential safety issues associated with the use of the SARUS-CPR hoodTM include reduction in internal jugular venous outflow and the risk of emotional distress to the patient in regaining consciousness within the confining SARUS-CPR hoodTM.
Further assessment relating to the efficacy, safety, ease of use and clinical impact of the device under intended conditions of use is required.
What were we asked to look at?
We were asked to provide a high level overview of the SARUS-CPR hoodTM which is a single use containment/exposure-control device designed to improve safety for personnel and patients during traditional ‘bag and mask’ ventilation. The technology is used as part of CPR by Basic Life Support (BLS)-trained responders.
Why is this important?
A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood around the body, commonly because of a problem with the electrical signals in a person's heart. CPR can be a lifesaving procedure for people whose heart has stopped. However, performing CPR may put the rescuer at risk of infection by breathing in particles from the patient or by coming into contact with body fluids including blood, saliva and vomit.
The SARUS-CPR hoodTM can be slipped over the head of the person and secured so that rescuers are able to quickly start CPR procedures and be protected from possible infections.
Referred by
The developers of SARUS-CPR hoodTM requested SHTG to assess the evidence for its use.
