PPE wearer’s guide for nurses: War Horse actors among performers to offer their tips

Actors with experience of restrictive costumes have contributed to the guide for NHS staff

Actors have created a guide to help healthcare professionals cope with the long-term use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Featuring tips from performers and staff from companies and productions such as War Horse, In The Night Garden Live, Kneehigh, and His Dark Materials, the Coping with PPE resource includes guidance on preparation, orientation and spatial awareness, movement, non-verbal communication and speaking.

Advice starts with what to do before putting on PPE

The actors offer their expertise after working with restrictive costumes, masks, puppets, animatronics and prosthetics.

The advice includes suggestions that before putting on PPE, healthcare professionals go to the toilet, ensure they are well hydrated and 'warm up' using gentle stretches.

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The guide also suggests staff put name labels on the front and back of PPE and agree signals for non-verbal communication with colleagues. 

Tips for staff who need to wear PPE for long periods

Coping with PPE was developed by Performing Medicine, an initiative started by the charity Clod Ensemble, in partnership with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).

UCLH clinical educator in simulation Beth Thomas said the guide would help health professionals who are wearing PPE for extended periods.

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‘PPE is uncomfortable, hot and makes communication difficult. When staff remove their PPE, they are exhausted,’ she said.

‘This practical guide will help them prioritise their well-being and self-care while wearing PPE and will stand them in good stead for the anticipated second wave.'

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