Wearing
personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk
of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough
to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and
lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down.
Measures
to control the temperature of clinical environments and enable staff to make
behavioural adaptations to stay cool and well hydrated should be made. Staff
may require more frequent breaks and the frequency of PPE changes may increase,
with a resulting increase in demand.
The
attachment contains further information and actions.