MCHD on Revised Protocol for Albuterol Administration During COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Dickson and Dr. Patrick of Montgomery County Health District discuss an alternative method of delivering Albuterol to prevent aerosolization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following bulletin was issued by MCHD to its crews regarding anti-bacterial/viral filters for ventilation circuits:

Our current ventilator circuit does not have a filter to block viral particles from being exhaled into the atmosphere in the back of the truck. We will procure these by next week and expect to deploy them soon. Until that time, our current PPE of mask/eyewear/gown and N95 should be protective. The potential for airborne contamination in back of the truck is possible and once deployed, in-line filters must be used with ANY ventilation device (BVM, Ventilator-ETT, SGA,CPAP/BPAP).

The current truck decontamination procedures are sufficient when these filters are deployed in the system. Until we can deploy the filters the following decontamination procedures will be observed when transporting any respiratory failure patient.

Crews will decontaminate similar to an exposure with clothes change and shower—After personal decon, the truck should be taken to fleet for vapor sterilization.

Inline Filter Device

Inline Filter Connected to BVM

Inline Filter Connected to ET Tube