Personal protective equipment is considered to be a vital source of protection for recovery and emergency workers. Depending on the situation, it could range from hurricanes, flooding, electricity, fire, structural collapse, falls, terrorism, earthquakes, and many more.
That’s very important, and emergency responders should know what to do in this kind of situation. They should protect the workers against physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
As we talk about the leading protective equipment, included in this are the eye protection, respirators, hearing protection, and some form of protective clothing. Furthermore, depending on the hazard, the recommendations regarding the use of PPE may change for the better.
For an emergency responder, the use of PPE is critical.
Hearing Protection
In most industries, occupational hearing loss is one of the few problems that’s being encountered every now and then.
This is not limited to everyday work activities, but can also take place in an emergency setting where there are dangerous noise levels, and there’s a presence of ototoxic chemicals that could have an effect on the emergency response as well as recovery workers’ hearing. That’s why it’s essential for the emergency responders to wear the proper gears that would protect their hearing while in the area.
Eye Protection
The eyes are always at risk of exposure to various hazards that ranges from metal particles, dust, glass particles, debris, chemicals, gas, bloodborne pathogens, and many more.
Constant exposure to these hazards could result in illnesses that could impair the eyesight permanently. That’s why it’s essential to utilize the right eye protection that would ensure the safety of those who are involved.
Eye-related injuries have several origins which could range from having contact with certain chemicals, penetration with external objects, and many more.
Patient Assessment Tools
These tools work great in assessing, visualizing, and measuring vital functions. Included in this are the blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, MicroPulse oximeter, C02 monitor, thermometer, and many more.
A highly experienced tactical team knows that this equipment should be carried at all times, together with trauma supplies that are specifically designed to stop bleeding, but it can also be used to seal off penetrating trauma.
Airway Management
These could vary from something as simple like oropharyngeal airway to full airway management pack. In an airway management kit, you’ll often find the essential airway stabilization/protection contents such as a manual suction device, pocket mask, and so on.
Jump-bag
It’s the bag commonly used to carry the majority of the surgical sundries, such as drips, bandages, syringes, and many more. These are taken to the clients’ side by the paramedic. Usually, this bag is quite huge because it has several pouches where the sundries can be found. This bag is also considered to be more comprehensive than the typical first aid bag and could have contents as much as 20kg.
Bag Valve Mask
This device is essential as it’s used to recover and assist the person in breathing manually. It’s available in various sizes which depends on the user– if it’s an adult, child, or infant. The device is linked to an oxygen cylinder and placed all over the patient’s face, which it’s squeezed from there.
Trauma/Spinal Board
These are stretches that are unpadded and offers rigid support in patients who have experienced injuries in the spine. It can be used together with a spider harness and head blocks that are important when it comes to securing the patient while on the board. They can be very useful, especially if you have to carry the patient over a distance and the condition is sensitive.
These are just some of the few types of equipment that is often used by emergency responders during emergency situations. Although most of them may appear necessary, they play a vital role and could save thousands of lives.