Latest national PPE guidance for ambulance services

Following feedback from staff and some changes to the National NHS PPE strategy, the National Ambulance COVID-19 guidance has been updated and will be published on gov.uk later today.

The EEAST Guidance for Ambulance Trusts has now been updated on Need to Know.
We know that the rate of change with the guidance is a challenge, but with the evolving situation it is necessary to ensure that we maintain best practice and ensure that you have the latest information to help you do the job you are all doing so well. 

There are no changes to the PPE guidance for ambulance staff, but it does contain some useful clarification around PPE, so please take time to make yourself aware of the updated guidance.
A summary of the changes has been included within the guidance, with an overview below:

• The UK is currently seeing sustained community transmission of COVID-19, and all patient contacts require the appropriate level of PPE to be worn
• Further clarification on who determines the UK list of AGPs and inclusion of the full AGP list  
• The PPE table has been updated to include clarification of PPE requirements for driver of vehicles without bulkheads conveying any patient - there are no changes to the levels of PPE
• Clarification around the use of non-shrouded valved FFP3 facemasks, the use of full-face shield/visors and what to do where these are not available
• Further guidance on the PPE requirements for cardiac arrests
• A statement confirming that Ambulance staff are not required to change or upgrade their PPE when entering hospitals including ED/ Resus for the purposes of patient handovers

 

Dr Tom Davis
Medical Director,

Published 11th April 2020