Anesthesia

As specialists in airway management, anesthetists are routinely exposed to patients' respiratory secretions and are at high risk of contracting SARS from infected patients (Kamming).

Any known or suspected SARS patient must be regarded as ultra high risk and the attending anesthetist should wear a N95 mask, goggles, face shield, double gown, double gloves, and protective overshoes. Removal and disposal of these items without contaminating oneself is critical. The use of a powered respirator by the anesthetist and assistant is strongly advised for high-risk aerosol-generating airway procedures in suspected SARS patients (Kamming).