There are some data that suggest as soon as you’re using N95s, you may need to block 2-hour segments as a substantial proportion of HCW can tolerate only a shorter period of time than 4 hours (see: Shenal BV, Radonovich LJ Jr, Cheng J, Hodgson M, Bender BS. Discomfort and exertion associated with prolonged wear of respiratory protection in a health care setting. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2012;9:59-64.)

Michael Hodgson, MD

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Adamo, Philip
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 5:18 PM
To: MCOH/EH
Cc: MCOH/EH
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Medical clearance for Ebola PPE

Hi Deb

I am at an Ebola task force meeting and just raised this issue. After listening to one of the physician training the nurses he expressed that many complain about being warm, sweaty and anxious. We must  be careful about applying a federal form on more than a respirator issue. My thoughts are:

1. Pregnant health care workers should not work in that PPE.

2. HCW with chronic skin conditions should not be expected to be in the PPE for extended times.

3. HCW with medical conditions that are at risk for dehydration should not work with that level of PPE

4. General question to ask prior to training is do you want to be evaluated by EHS?

At this time we are making this a volunteer based training.

I welcome others to contribute to this conversation.

Phil Adamo M.D.

UMass Memorial Health Care

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 22, 2014, at 5:08 PM, "Foley MD, Deborah" <DFoley@NCH.ORG> wrote:

Is anyone developing a medical evaluation tool to help determine an employee’s ability to work in the PPE recommended for Ebola patient care? We think that a nurse may be in the gear for up to a 4 hour shift. I am considering the long form respiratory questionnaire as a possibility. What are others thinking?

Thanks,

Deborah Foley MD

Employee Health and Safety

Northwest Community Healthcare

Arlington Heights IL  

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