title: Comparison of techniques for securing the endotracheal tube while wearing chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear protection: a manikin study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to assess the impact of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear personal protective equipment (CBRN-PPE) on the ability to secure an endotracheal tube (ETT) with either the Thomas Tube Holder™ or cotton tape tied in a knot.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-five clinicians secured an ETT in a previously intubated manikin with the Thomas Tube Holder™ and cotton tape. A mixed quantitative and qualitative research design was used to gauge actual performance times and perceptions of difficulties. Following completion of the study, 25 clinicians were interviewed to gauge their experiences of securing the ETT with both devices while wearing CBRN-PPE.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean time to apply the Thomas Tube Holder was 29.02 seconds, compared with tape which took a mean of 58 seconds (p=0.001). Clinicians rated the Thomas Tube Holder as easier to use than tape (Mann-Whitney z=9.934; p<0.001), which was confirmed during interviews. Of the clinicians interviewed, 92% perceived that the Thomas Tube Holder provided the better method for securing an ETT, none of the clinicians identified the tape as the best method for securing the endotracheal tube while wearing CBRN-PPE. Clinicians identified that the design of the Thomas Tube Holder facilitated the gross motor movement required for application.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Thomas Tube Holder is easier and faster to apply when wearing CBRN-PPE when compared with cotton, and the Thomas Tube Holder is perceived by the participants as being more effective at preventing accidential extubation.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Frimely Park Hospital, Camberly, Surrey, UK. castle.nicholas@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Castle
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hann
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reeces
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gurney
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008348:Manikins; D011481:Protective Clothing