#Training stress balance forecasting how to

Under these circumstances, the surrounding environment may achieve levels of heat and humidity great enough to cause discomfort or to become dangerous to the occupants (both HCWs and patients). Although most HCWs conduct their work in an indoor setting (hospital, clinic) with environmental controls to keep the workspace comfortable, emergency or pandemic situations may necessitate the rapid construction of field hospitals, which may not have environmental control systems able to create and maintain a comfortable temperature. Extended wear of PPE increases the wearer’s physiological burden, usually in the form of respiratory stress ( addressed in the previous blog) and heat stress. When responding to disasters that challenge the resources of the hospital or other healthcare systems, it may become necessary for the HCW to wear the PPE for extended periods of time.

HCWs working in warm and humid environments often must wear full coverage PPE, including respirators.

Respirator and Other PPE Use in Warm and Potentially Humid Environments.

#Training stress balance forecasting how to

Heat stress is another potential stress factor that healthcare workers (HCWs) who use personal protective equipment (PPE) and their employers should be aware of in order to recognize the signs and be prepared with the knowledge of how to alleviate the burden. A recent blog discussed prolonged respirator use and the potential physiological burden that could result from the buildup of CO 2 within the respirator facepiece.