MISHAWAKA, Ind. (April 21, 2020)

Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) has made extensive preparations in anticipation of a possible coronavirus (COVID-19) patient surge. Those efforts include building 27 intubation boxes. The process of intubating patients creates aerosolized particles that could expose medical staff to contagions, including COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The boxes consist of PVC pipe and plastic drop cloth, allowing SJHS colleagues to cover the patient during the intubation process containing the particles created. This enclosure works in tandem with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of exposure to medical staff so they can remain healthy and continue to serve our community. The boxes can also be used in addition to masks while transporting patients within the medical center, further limiting exposure. These boxes are available to the medical colleagues at our Mishawaka and Plymouth medical centers.

SJHS would like to thank the Mishawaka Lowe’s for donating the supplies needed to build 12 of the 27 boxes and the SJHS colleagues that created prototypes and produced the final design.