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Implementation Guide to Support Use of Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators in Healthcare

Authors
Hines, Stella E., THURMAN, PAUL, McDiarmid, Melissa A.
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Date
2021-02-03
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Peer Reviewed
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory
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Research Area
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Collections
Faculty, Student Works School of Medicine
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Implementation Guide
Adobe PDF, 7.78 MB
Other Titles
Elastomeric Respirator Implementation GUide
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Abstract

Elastomeric half mask respirators (EHMRs) provide similar or higher level of protection as do N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFRs) and are designed to be reused. Supply chain shortages of respirators at the onset of COVID-19 surge prompted a large, urban, US academic medical center to rapidly expand use of EHMRs. A scaled fit-testing operation completed over 7000 fit-tests over six weeks. A centralized EHMR decontamination program was established in the Central Sterile Processing department. EHMR users obtained and returned their respirators each day from a central distribution center using a shared-supply model. This EHMR-based model of respiratory protection was cost effective. All healthcare personnel that needed respiratory protection during COVID-19 surge had access to NIOSH-approved, employer-provided respirators.

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Table of Contents
I. Contents ii II. Abbreviations v III. Table of Figures vii IV. Executive Summary 1 V. Background 5 VI. Determinants of User Device Assignments 14 VII. Fit-testing Program 17 VIII. Logistics 25 IX. Responsibilities of Key Program Leaders 37 X. Costs 40 XI. References 45 XII. Appendices 52 XIII. Acknowledgments 91
Description
This document serves as a guide to support implementation of elastomeric respirator-based respiratory protection programs in healthcare settings. Based on best practices employed in hospital and ambulatory practices at the University of Maryland-Baltimore, the guide includes background evidence, logistics on fit-testing, distribution and decontamination, and a summary of cost estimates associated with this form of respiratory protection. The guide includes tools like Information Sheets, checklists, training tools and photos to help other programs set up their own programs.
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Sponsors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Contract # 75D30120P09044
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Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Keyword
elastomeric respirator
 N95
 respiratory protection
 pandemic
 hospital
 decontamination
 personal protective equipment
Identifier to cite or link to this item
http://hdl.handle.net/10713/14748
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