It may be in short supply, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need it. Any therapist performing respiratory techniques (the ones COVID patients probably need!) is at risk and should have the right PPE. Here is what you need, what you can get by with, and how to choose.
The Mask
We are all hearing the hysteria around the mask right now. Surgical vs. respirator vs home made. How and when do you choose what?
The CDC has created a table with some guidelines on how to make these choices. It’s important to remember where Physical Therapists fit on this table. If you are performing respiratory physical therapy interventions, you are performing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).
Gloves
Thankfully we aren’t hearing too much about a shortage of these yet! You should just be wearing them. Odds are you know this already. Both hands, please. And make sure your friends wear them, too. This is the only PPE we have regularly available at my facility.
Gowns
So stylish. So crinkly. One use, one patient. Do you remember the order in which you are supposed to don all this stuff? Yea, I didn’t either. Here’s a link to help you out.
Eye Protection
We are currently under droplet precautions here, people. However, some sources disagree with this and feel we should be under airborne precautions. Either way, you’ll need some eye protection. Goggles or a shield are acceptable.
all images open source from upslash.com
Check out these other links:
A homemade mask that may actually work?
Maybe! Check it out!
Forbes is putting the word out. Like the doctor said: “Any mask is better than no mask.”
Calling All People Who Sew And Make: You Can Help Make Masks For 2020 Healthcare Worker PPE Shortage
Chronic Disease Part 1: Heart Failure
Ya’ll know how much I love freeing the yoke! Chronic disease is a huge burden to the general population. This post is the first in a series of posts addressing some of the major chronic diseases placing a yoke around the necks of our patients. We will discuss what these diseases are, what causes them,Continue reading “Chronic Disease Part 1: Heart Failure”
Exercise-Induced Hypertension
Have you ever had patient exercising during your treatment session and taken their blood pressure only to find that is has shot up pretty high? They didn’t have symptoms of high blood pressure so you rested them and it came right back down. But, then you find that it keeps happening… What does this mean?Continue reading “Exercise-Induced Hypertension”
A Public Service Announcement: The Chain of Infection (and How YOU Can Break It!)
This post is written for one and all. If you are not a rehabilitation or medical professional, please read this post. Even if you are, please read this post. I’m going to address some things that need clarification. You can have all the opinions you would like, but there are some things that are justContinue reading “A Public Service Announcement: The Chain of Infection (and How YOU Can Break It!)”
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