Association statement on coronavirus | Association of Anaesthetists

Association statement on coronavirus

Association statement on coronavirus

Saturday 1 February 2020

The coronavirus is now in the UK. Early reports suggest it spreads and presents similar to SARS with flu like symptoms and respiratory failure. Anaesthetists are particularly at risk as these patients present for intubation. Lessons from the Toronto SARS outbreak in 2003 indicate that many staff infections occurred during intubation and at the early stages of the outbreak when personal attention may have been less rigorous. 

In at risk patients, we highlight attention to hand washing, gloving, masks, and changes to intubation practice. 

We direct all anaesthetists to the editorial in the BJA from Toronto with lessons learned. In at risk patients, we highlight attention to hand washing, gloving, masks, and changes to intubation practice. We recognise the viruses are different but some of the implications for practitioners may well be the same.

Other resources you may find useful:

Coronavirus - guidance for anaesthesia and perioperative care providers

(opens to the WFSA website)

The pressures intensive care units are under and how coronavirus may intensify this

(opens to the Guardian website)


You may also be interested in: