THE All-terrain Medical Relief Organization (Amro), a non-government organization based in Cebu City, is striving to provide an alternative to the commercial Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is expensive and limited in supply.
The work is a voluntary community effort by Cebu City medical doctors, students, professionals and private individuals, and the dressmakers of Cebu City and Cordova, Lapu-Lapu City.
Dr. Wyben Briones, founder of Amro, said, “The main goal is to provide immediate protection for our health workers and frontliners who, as of now, may have zero or limited number of PPE. Rather than waiting for equipment that is not coming because of the lockdown, we tried to improvise. It may not look as great as the commercial ones but I feel it will serve its purpose.”
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The PPE is used by healthcare workers to reduce risks of occupational exposure to hazardous materials and biological contaminants. With proper use, PPE acts as a barrier between infectious materials such as viral and bacterial contaminants and a person’s skin, mouth, nose, or eyes.
It also has the potential to block the transmission of contaminants from blood, bodily or respiratory secretions onto the wearer. Conversely, it may also protect patients who are at high risk for contracting infections through a surgical procedure or who have a medical condition, or people who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised. It prevents their exposure to potentially infectious material brought in by the healthcare workers or visitors.
The improvised PPE design
There are different types of PPE for different types of risks and there is not one suit or PPE ensemble that will provide the wearer from all types of hazardous materials. However, it is important to note that PPE clothing must be designed to protect workers from exposure to infectious liquids. It is highly recommended to be waterproof, effective, breathable, comfortable, and most importantly, affordable.
Taking inspiration from an operating room gown and commercial PPE, this is designed by Amro doctors and engineers with the advice from a commercial PPE marketing specialist. Instead of a gown, the PPE is composed of a three-piece suit: hood, top, and pants, with a visor and used in conjunction with safety goggles, mask, plastic shoe cover, and gloves. The main material used is the coated taffeta fabric which is commonly used in consumer items such as umbrellas, car covers, and parachutes. While polyethylene and/or polyester polymer would be ideal, the material is difficult to source hence the idea to find the next best alternative, which is the taffeta material.
Furthermore, duct tape is required to seal the air holes from the seams and body openings. One full suit costs around P800 and fits all sizes except for special sizes which can be made upon request.
Instead of creating limited or one-time use garments, this PPE is meant to be reusable after disinfection. The PPE was inspected by Dr. Jaime Bernadas, the regional director of Department of Health, together with the heads of various district hospitals, and confirmed that it should be sufficient for use as an alternative in Covid-19 low risk areas like the triage.
Limitations
The improvised PPE will not look as good as the commercial ones. However, it shall serve the purpose of providing an extra layer of protection. In view of the anticipated hazard, the improvised PPE will always have four limitations that apply to all PPE: heat stress, mobility, visibility, and communications problems.
This would also not be possible without volunteers and donors who have dedicated their time and effort in this community collaboration.
For others who wish to make donations or pledges, or to volunteer, you may contact Mimi Baguio of Amro at 09285077390, or send a message through All-terrain Medical Relief Organization (Amro) Facebook page. (PR)