Problems arising from PPE when worn for long periods

Abstract

In the context of Covid-19, personal protective equipment is much needed and often in short supply as a protection against the virus, but nobody until recently was discussing the downside of its prolonged use by its wearers. Increasing numbers of health care workers feel unwell using it and are overheating and some have fainted. Will it impair their professional performance? This article considers this aspect of PPE based upon the personal experience of a Forensic team at AIIMS Bhopal in India who wore it during autopsy work and proposed recommendations to minimise it.