Thin foil body-shield resuscitation barrier device to protect from blood: an experimental study

Abstract

In times of collective concern about pandemics, body-shield resuscitation barrier devices are more and more considered to protect against transmission of different pathogens between rescuers and patients. The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the characteristics of blood drops dispersed on the surface of four different foils suitable for blanketing patients during resuscitation. We analyzed run-off characteristics of blood stains depending on surface properties of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed less cellular density and lack of fibrin networks in blood stains on the four foil surfaces than on paper towel. Delayed clotting went along with larger areas of contamination indicating a greater likelihood of coming into contact with potential germs but a smaller chance of contracting an infection. Space blankets as obligatory components of first aid kits are readily available for rescuers and serve as a mechanical barrier between rescuers and patients during resuscitation.

Rescue Blankets as Multifunctional Rescue Equipment in Alpine and Wilderness Emergencies—A Narrative Review and Clinical Implications

“…Beside the quantitative synthesis of the conventional function of rescue blankets to protect from hypothermia, wind and moisture, we qualitatively evaluated alternative functions of rescue blankets and identified nine articles for review [6][7][8][10][11][12][13][14][15]. The various alternative functions of rescue blankets comprised block of ultraviolet and infrared radiation, transparency, tensile strength, smoothness and tightness that allowed application as makeshifts of bandages, pelvic binders, tourniquets, chest seals, infection barriers, sunglasses and transport facilities in remote areas.…”

“…The various alternative functions of rescue blankets comprised block of ultraviolet and infrared radiation, transparency, tensile strength, smoothness and tightness that allowed application as makeshifts of bandages, pelvic binders, tourniquets, chest seals, infection barriers, sunglasses and transport facilities in remote areas. A recent study further showed that rescue blankets could even provide a barrier during resuscitation and protect against pathogens transmitted by skin contact, aerosol or droplet infection [15].…”

“…Rescuers and first-aid providers without protection are exposed to abundant pathogens while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), since they may get in direct contact with either the patient's blood, other body fluids or aerosols [11,13]. The fear of contracting a disease has become the prime reason for lay rescuers and first-aid providers to refrain from performing CPR [15]. During the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic this fear has further increased, therefore the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) omitted recommendations for ventilation attempts by lay rescuers and recommending compression-only CPR for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic [11,37].…”

Adsorption Capacity of Plastic Foils Suitable for Barrier Resuscitation

“…As space blankets are basic components of first aid kits, they are readily available to lay rescuers and hence can be used to remove aerosols from air leakage by adsorption and drainage below the barrier. However, further clinical studies are required to quantify how the blanketing of a patient with a plastic foil can protect against contamination by blood, vomit, and secretions, and whether it can prompt an even greater willingness of lay rescuers to start resuscitation [35].…”

“…Conceivably, there are different modes of action. First, foils as mechanical barriers between rescuer and patient can protect against pathogens transmitted by skin contact, aerosol, or droplet infection, by drainage and dilution below the foil [35]. Second, the adsorption of pathogen loaded aerosols to the surface of plastic foils further diminishes the risk of transmission.…”