Post written by Edward J. Despott, MD, FRCP, FEBGH, FASGE, MD(Res), from the Royal Free Unit for Endoscopy, The Royal Free Hospital and University College London (UCL) Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Hampstead, London, United Kingdom.

Our short video was recorded when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak in London. Like many other places across the globe at that time, there was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Face shields were particularly in short supply, and in order to avoid the risk associated with attempted cleansing and re-use of this vital piece of equipment, we developed a simple method for face shield construction, from inexpensive and readily available components sourced online. This video gives full details on how these materials were sourced, and then goes-on to describe our face shield construction method, through an illustrated step-by-step format.

Although the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been met with a global step-up of dedicated PPE production, this video demonstrates that should supply shortages recur, face shields can still be easily constructed for the protection of personnel, through the assembly of simple materials. This method eliminates any risk associated with re-use and shows that with the application of simple principles and lateral thinking, in the face of necessity, such shortages may be circumvented.

This video may be used by colleagues from all around the world as a step-by-step guide for the simple construction of single-use face shields, when commercially prepared versions are in short supply.

Read the full article online.

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