The correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important part of keeping ourselves safe at all of our incidents.
PPE for medical incidents
The purpose of the PPE worn for medical response is to limit contact with droplets, and to reduce the risk of infection to our people from a wide range of scenarios, including patients who may have COVID-19 viral-type illness, or respiratory patients.
For any medical response or lift assist
Minimum PPE required is:
N95 particulate respirator
gloves (disposable)
eye protection (safety glasses or goggles)
long sleeves (either level one jacket or level one overalls)
Disposable coveralls or gowns may be worn if staff choose to do so.
Risk assessment
The OIC is to undertake a dynamic risk assessment, taking into account:
any respiratory illness of the patient, especially with excessive coughing
any higher index of suspicion (such as flu-like illness, currently being in self-isolation, etc).
Discussion is to be held with the on-scene ambulance crew to assist with the dynamic risk assessment.
Excessive amounts of bodily fluids where there is an increased risk of splash hazard.
Extra PPE
Appliances and response vehicles should still carry stock of disposable coveralls/gowns and goggles, and anyone wishing to wear them regardless of risk assessment will have them provided without delay.
Disposal of PPE
All PPE should be disposed of in a safe manner after the incident by using the Bio-Hazard Bag
Use of masks on patients
During COVID-19:
Any conscious respiratory patient should, if able to, wear an N95 Particulate Respirator whenever feasible, over an oxygen mask/nasal prongs.
Alwaysfollow standard hygiene practices
Wash and dry your hands for at least 20 seconds, ensuring they are dried well.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap and water.
