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Heatwave plan: Prepare for high temperatures including when wearing PPE

August 5, 2020

We’re expecting high temperatures for the rest of this week as well the weekend which are likely to trigger heatwave plans. In order to ensure we’re prepared and our patients are kept safe it is essential that all managers ensure that all actions for levels 1 and 2 are being carried out.

Please ensure you’ve read and understood the Trust’s Severe Weather Plan.

Any issues should be escalated to the site senior capacity managers or the CNPs after 7pm.

Factors which increase an individual’s risk during a heatwave include:

  • Chronic and severe illness, including heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory or renal insufficiency, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness.
  • Medications that potentially affect renal function, the body’s ability to sweat, thermoregulation or electrolyte balance can make this group more vulnerable to the effects of heat
  • Inability to adapt behaviour to keep cool: having Alzheimer’s, a disability, being bed bound, babies and the very young

Actions to be taken include the following:

  • Minimise heat increase by drawing blinds or curtains
  • Where possible switch off anything connected to the power system and likely to produce heat e.g. computers, printers, additional lighting
  • Maintain hydration in patients by offering additional drinks
  • Do not use fans. Using fans can disperse airborne particles which could increase the spread of COVID-19. Fans cannot be properly cleaned to meet our infection control standards which could result in the increased risk of transmission of any microorganisms.

Ensure that discharge planning takes into account the temperature of the accommodation and level of daily care during the heatwave period.

Personal protective equipment and heat: risk of heat stress

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is
unable to cool down.

Colleagues working in warm/hot conditions wearing PPE should follow the below advice:

  • Take regular breaks, find somewhere cool if you can.
  • Make sure you are hydrated (checking your urine is an easy way of keeping an eye on your hydration levels – dark or strong-smelling urine is a sign that you should drink more fluids).
  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stress and dehydration (thirst, dry mouth, dark or strong-smelling urine, urinating infrequently or in small amounts, inability to concentrate, muscle cramps, fainting). Don’t wait until you start to feel unwell before you take a break.
  • Use a buddy system with your team to look out for the signs of heat stress (e.g. confusion, looking pale or clammy, fast breathing) in each other.
  • Between shifts, try to stay cool as this will give your body a chance to recover.

For more information please see personal protective equipment and heat – risk of heat stress guidance.