Methods: A proof-of-concept simulation study was conducted to evaluate the protective properties of the protective barrier enclosure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Aerosol was simulated using a fluorescent dye trapped within the manikin. Three different methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation delivery with a protective barrier enclosure applied over the manikin's head were conducted. The first method simulated a chest compression only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the second method also used chest compressions only, with a face mask fitted on the victim, while the third method, the victim was given chest compression and bag-valve-mask ventilation by two rescuers.
Results: In the first method, release of aerosol from the manikin's mouth was observed during chest compression, while in second method, most of the aerosol was trapped within the face mask, with only minor leaking. However, when bag-valve-mask ventilation was delivered, the aerosol leaked out at high speed around the bag-valve-mask seal. No aerosol condensation was found outside of the protective barrier enclosure in all scenes.
Conclusion: Protective barrier enclosure may reduce aerosol exposure to the rescuers during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.